Cork woman broke release terms to return to jail to access drug rehab

A woman given temporary release from prison deliberately breached conditions so that she would be taken back into custody, because of a desperate need for the prison supports in dealing with substance addictions.

Christine Babbington, aged 41, of no fixed address, was given temporary release from prison but fell back into substance abuse and went back into custody.

Since going back in to custody she has availed of rehabilitation services in terms of detoxification, medical assistance, and a methadone treatment programme, her solicitor Frank Buttimer said.

Mr Buttimer said that his client hoped to avail of further treatment and counselling at the end of her sentence.

Ms Babbington was before Cork District Court where she pleaded guilty to shoplifting at the Kilkenny shop on Lavitt’s Quay, Cork, on May 27, 2024, when she and another woman stole just over €200 worth of cosmetics that were never recovered.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the accused woman had 82 previous convictions, including 42 counts of theft.

Mr Buttimer said that the 41-year-old is originally from Cork City and developed an addiction to crack cocaine and had mental health difficulties, notably related to depression and anxiety.

“She moved to Dublin to get out of difficulties in Cork with substance abuse but she continued to abuse substances and ended up in custody.

“She got early release but could not cope, and broke her temporary release [conditions] so that she could engage in recovery in prison.

“She is doing well in prison now,” the solicitor said.

Judge Miriam Walsh imposed a sentence of two months which will not increase the overall time Ms Babbington has to serve in prison.

Judge Walsh said, “I wish you well, Ms Babbington, you are making great strides in your recovery and hopefully things will be brighter for you.”