A 22-year-old woman who has taken 19 bench warrants has been refused bail on a raft of charges after a judge said she was not satisfied the accused would turn up in court if released.
Janelle Quinn, who is of no fixed abode but is currently staying with family in Athlone, was arrested yesterday morning and brought before Tallaght District Court on foot of two active warrants. She is charged with a range of offences including theft, public order matters and criminal damage, with the court hearing she made no reply when cautioned.
During the hearing, Judge Catherine Ghent asked gardaí if Ms Quinn was under the influence in court, noting her presentation and apparent condition.
Her barrister, Ethan Foley BL, said Ms Quinn was undergoing detox, had been clean for several weeks and appeared to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. He described her as someone who was “starting to get her act together.”
Mr Foley applied for bail, saying many of the charges were minor, with some involving alleged thefts worth as little as €20. He said his client was willing to engage with the process and sign on daily at Athlone Garda Station. However, he said she had no funds to lodge cash bail.
Gardaí objected to the application, citing the accused’s history of taking 19 bench warrants, including two custodial remands earlier this year. The court heard gardai were not satisfied the accused would appear in court if released.
Judge Ghent said she had serious concerns about the woman’s presentation and her repeated failure to appear in court. While she acknowledged the offences were not of the most serious nature, she said there was a strong likelihood the accused would not return if granted bail.
“I don’t want her in custody any longer than necessary,” the judge said, “but I’m not satisfied she would turn up in court if released.” The judge stated that Ms Quinn also required medical attention.
The accused was remanded in custody for one week and will reappear before Tallaght District Court on May 13. Judge Ghent also granted legal aid in the case.