By Liz Farsaci
A record number of former drug users who got their lives back on track graduated from the Dublin district drugs court today.
Four men graduated from the Drug Treatment Court during the ceremony making it the highest number of participants graduating at any one time in the court’s 16-year history.
People are sent to the drug court, based at Green Street Courthouse, Dublin 7 as an alternative to custody for minor drugs-related offences.
They participate in a programme aimed at helping them become drug free. They can graduate once they have become drug free and secure full-time training, education or employment. The programme lasts at least nine months, but often takes longer.
As part of their graduation, the four participants had all the charges they faced when they first came before the court dropped. This means that if they have no previous convictions, they now have a clean record.
“It’s a fantastic day for the four of you to graduate from the drugs court, and for all of us,” said Judge Ann Ryan, who presided over proceedings. “I haven’t seen four healthier looking graduates – absolutely amazing.”
One of the graduates was a 30-year-old married father-of-three, who was first referred to the court in April 2016.
“You’re the most pleasant person to have worked with,” Judge Ryan told him.
The second graduate was a 35-year-old man, who was referred to the programme in July 2016. The court heard that he wants to get a driving licence and do delivery work.
“Graduating in under a year – it’s a fantastic achievement,” Judge Ryan told him.
The third graduate was a 27-year-old father-of-two from Dublin, who was referred to the court in September 2015 and was accompanied by his young son.
“We all know how devoted you are to your family,” Judge Ryan said. “You were incredibly pleasant at every stage.”
After receiving his certificate, the father said: “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my son.”
The fourth graduate was a 28-year-old father of two from Swords who is already working as an apprentice plumber.