A woman who was found in possession of heroin after ambulance personnel discovered her unresponsive in a house in Armagh has been sentenced to probation.
The district judge told the 28-year-old: “You clearly have a problem which is very difficult to overcome. It’s dangerous and you should know that especially after what nearly happened to you here.”
Clare Marie McGrath, of Iveagh Crescent, Newry pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on September 26, police were called to Killuney Drive in Armagh by ambulance staff who had attended a female who was unresponsive after a suspected heroin overdose.
Officers arrived and spoke to the defendant, who was the female in question.
They located a wrap of heroin in her hoodie pocket of approximately 0.2g.
She was subsequently conveyed to Craigavon Area Hospital over concerns for her health.
McGrath was later interviewed about the offence making full admissions and stating the drugs were for personal use.
District Judge Peter Magill commented: “Clearly she has a problem and she hasn’t been able to engage with community-based disposals in the past.”
Defence barrister Stephen Campbell stated: “Ms McGrath has in the past found herself in relationships with men who are no strangers to this court.
“She has regularly been the victim of domestic violence but she is now out of that and in a new relationship with a man with no such record.”
District Judge Magill told the defendant: “You clearly have a problem which is very difficult to overcome. It’s dangerous and you should know that especially after what nearly happened to you here.
“You need to try and get some help, I hope that probation will facilitate that.”
McGrath was sentenced to 12 months of probation.
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