Teenage shoplifter ordered to undertake first crime-diversion course

A teenage shoplifter was today ordered by a judge to do sewing, cooking, take part in literacy classes and outdoor pursuits, including canoeing and trekking, for the next six months.

Judge Clare Leonard told the 17-year-old girl, who stole pair of jeans, that it was an “historic day” as it was the first time the Dublin Children's Court had made a “day centre order”, which compels an eligible defendant to take part in a range of activities to divert them from crime.