ADDICT REQUESTS TO STAY IN PRISON

A drug addict who was jailed for four years in 1997 told Dublin Circuit
Criminal Court she wanted to remain in prison until her sentence was
completed. Tara O'Callaghan (24), Fatima Mansions, Rialto, was jailed in
October 1997 after she pleaded guilty to possession of a syringe in an
attempt to steal chocolate from a Spar shop on Dame Street, Dublin, on
November 17th, 1996. Judge Kieran O'Connor said it was an unusual case.

Barrister Ms Isobel Kennedy said O'Callaghan wished to remain drug free in
prison without a review until her sentence was completed because this was
the only way she felt she could stay drug free as she had found it extremely
difficult on release.

Judge O'Connor commended O'Callaghan on her drug-free status and confirmed
that the order be made.

He also directed she be transferred from custody to a residential treatment
programme or drug-rehabilitation unit if there was a position available. He
added he admired her determination but it was unfortunate that she felt she
could only deal with her drug addiction while in custody.