PILOT SCHEME FOR DRUGS OFFENDERS HAS FIRST GRADUATE

The first person to successfully complete the Drug Court scheme was
yesterday presented with a certificate by Judge Gerard Haughton.

The 32-year-old man, who is not being named at the request of the judge and
the Courts Service, is the first success in this pilot scheme aimed at
giving drug-addicted offenders a chance to break the habit as an
alternative to prison.

In return, they must adhere to a closely supervised treatment programme
under a co-ordinated team of professionals in the probation, health,
community, education and justice services.

For graduating from the scheme, theft charges against the man, which would
almost certainly have earned him a jail sentence because of previous
convictions, were struck out. Started in January last year, the scheme is
presided over by District Judge Haughton, who has the ultimate sanction of
ordering the arrest and imprisonment of those who fail to comply. About 30
other people are taking part.

Yesterday Judge Haughton spoke with pride about the scheme's first graduate
as he invited the man to sit beside him on the judge's bench. The man said
he was "a bit speechless". "As the judge said, half my lfe was in jail and
drugs. Today I have choices. I have that little peace of mind and I can
sleep at night"