Woman in Midlands jailed on Monday released and back before court on Thursday

A woman in the Midlands who was jailed for two months on Monday was granted temporary release and back before Portlaoise District Court on Thursday. 

Sarah Cloherty (38) of Apartment 2, Cosgroves B&B, 40 Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared in court accused of being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at JFL Avenue, Portlaoise, on June 27 last. 

Anne Doyle BL said there was a plea of guilty in relation to the matters. 

Recognising the defendant, Judge Andrew Cody said she was given “two months on  Monday and was released on Wednesday. She did a little over 24 hours bed and breakfast in Dochas (women’s prison).”

Ms Doyle said her client had been in custody since the previous Thursday. She said the woman had spent the past week in Dochas and appeared a “great deal” better than before. 

“She has been free of alcohol for the last week,” said Ms Doyle. She said the woman had also started counselling and was corresponding with Offaly County Council in relation to accommodation. 

Judge Cody said the defendant had been accused of 17 offences in the last few months. 

Ms Doyle said the woman had only been released from prison a day earlier and was looking well. ”All of her charges are under the public order act,” she said. She said the woman had chronic mental health and addiction issues. 

Judge Cody said the woman faced other charges and was due before Tullamore District Court on July 25. 

“I will want to see evidence of change if she is to avoid another 24 hours of bed and breakfast at the expense of the State,” he said. He granted legal aid in the case.