LACK OF HELP FOR ADDICT APPALS JUDGE

It is "appalling" that a drug addict who wants help could be sent to
prison instantly but finding a place on a rehabilitation programme
took months, Christchurch judge Jane McMeeken said yesterday.

Judge McMeeken has been struggling since May to find a place for
Deborah Anne Eaden to get the help the Ashburton woman wants after 20
years of drug and alcohol abuse.

Yesterday, the judge went ahead with the sentencing on the basis of a
new report that suggests there will be a place for Eaden in the next
intake at the Salvation Army's Circle of Change programme next month.

Eaden, a beneficiary, first came before Judge McMeeken in Ashburton
District Court, facing charges of illegally using a doctor's
prescription pad, dishonestly using a relative's credit card, and burglary.

She pleaded guilty and was to be sentenced in Christchurch in June,
but could not enter a rehabilitation programme because a test found
the party drug BZP in her system.

Yesterday, Judge McMeeken released Eaden under supervision on the
condition that she attend the rehabilitation programme. She must also
pay reparations.