Child gives ‘pinkie promise’ in Kildare court not to reoffend
“There seems to be a lack of parental control, and bad company,” said the judge at a sitting of Athy District Court last week
A YOUNG teenage girl acted out on nine counts of shoplifting, theft and criminal damage because her beloved dad is in jail, a court was told.
The young girl gave a ‘pinkie promise’ to her solicitor in court to never behave like this again.
The teen from south Kildare was accompanied by her mother and a representative of Kildare Traveller Action (KTA) to appear behind the closed doors of Athy District Court’s Family Law sessions recently.
“We meet again,” said Judge Zaidan drily on recognising the child’s mother, prompting the girl’s solicitor Jackie McManus to begin her defence.
After outlining the child’s interests and schooling, Ms McManus said “her daddy is in prison, and she’s finding it very upsetting this morning”.
The offences occurred between 1 February and 20 July, and were mostly shoplifting things like Red Bull, a beach ball, ice creams, Doritos, and miscellaneous food.
However, they also include the theft of a bicycle from Newbridge Railway Station on 20 April, the emptying of a tin of paint on the floor of Mr Price in Athy in June, causing €140 worth of damage, and handling a stolen scooter.
“There seems to be a lack of parental control, and bad company,” said the judge.
“Something is seriously wrong, morally wrong,” he opined.
“The paint, why did you do that?” asked the judge.
“I don’t know,” whispered the child.
“She’s had a very difficult time with her dad in prison, but he’s coming out in a few weeks,” said Ms McManus.
“Doritos and Red Bull? She has good taste,” smiled the judge.
“Do you know what has gone wrong with (named girl)?” the judge asked.
The representative of the KTA group outlined the girl had experienced serious trauma and bereavement.
“She has had a difficult upbringing,” said the woman.
“What’s so difficult?” asked the judge.
“She’s a Traveller, and I’m a Traveller as well, and we get discriminated against everywhere,” said the representative.
The representative highlighted positive work by the youngster but “if she doesn’t mend her ways I will walk away”.
“She has a carer and is awaiting a CAMHS appointment for an ADHD diagnosis,” she said.
“ADHD doesn’t turn you into a criminal,” noted the judge.
“If she continues like this beyond 18, she faces a life in jail.
“You’re supposed to be the responsible adult,” said the judge turning to the mother, “but I wonder how responsible you are”.
“It’s as Jackie says, because my father is in jail,” said the young defendant.
“Will you stop when he comes out?” asked the judge.
“Yes,” she said simply.
The court then learned she has already been suspended from school “a few times”.
“I just walked out of class. I needed headspace,” she said.
“The adults around her have letter her down badly,” said the judge.
Ms McManus then submitted a formal reference from the KTA about her client.
“This all looks like a cry for help, but she’s capable of talking, and she’s honest,” said the judge generously.
“I don’t think (named girl) has any psychiatric conditions, but it is depressing to see a girl of this age before me.”
Ms McManus commented: “She gets bullied weekly at school for being a Traveller.”
“You have a lot to work with to help her,” said the judge as he referred the girl to the attending probation officer.
“I am hopeful for you. You’re not a bad kid, and you know right from wrong.
“Your mam should know where you are every hour of the day,” he said.
“I don’t have a phone,” said the girl.
“That’s probably a blessing in disguise,” remarked the judge.
“She tells me she has given a ‘pinkie promise’ that she’ll not do this again,” revealed Ms McManus.
“You have to break this mold and be better than your mam and dad,” said the judge.
“I hope you don’t have any of those (autism, ADHD), but if you do, they will diagnose it, and give you the proper help.
“(Named girl) wasn’t born bad, she’s a normal 13-year-old girl, but you (the defendant’s mother) need to stop this going forward, you have to be a mother to her, she needs you, and you’ve got to be there for this girl,” said the judge.
“I’m trying my best,” said the mother quietly.
“You are not trying your best,” retorted the judge.
“If you were, you would have addressed it straight after the first offence.
“If you want these to go away, you’ll have to meet me halfway.
“You don’t belong in jail, there’s help out there for you, and if you tell Ms Cowzer (probation officer) the truth you will feel much better.”
He then put the case back until 10 November for probation report and sentencing.
