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.

Failure to comply with the terms of the order would see the case re-entered in the court which could then impose other sanctions, including a custodial sentence.

The girl, who was found by the Probation Service to be at a medium risk of re-offending, had pleaded guilty to stealing the jeans, which were recovered from the TK Maxx clothes shop, in Carrickmines, in South Co. Dublin, on November 20 last year.

The teen, who left school at the age of 12, had one prior conviction for theft.

Defence solicitor Eileen McCabe said her client had cooperated well with the Probation Service and had made “huge progress.”

Ms McCabe said the girl, who was accompanied to her case by her mother, was very happy to be given the opportunity of the community sanction, after she was deemed suitable for inclusion by the Probation Service.

Judge Leonard heard that as part of the order, the girl would have to attend a day centre for youths, in west Dublin, which is funded by the Probation Service, where she would take part in a range of activities including sewing, literacy classes and learning about using computers.

The court also heard that as part of the crime diversion programme, the teenage girl would have to take part in “outdoor pursuits” including “canoeing and trekking”.

Another condition of the order compels the teen to take part in an “offending behaviour programme” to steer her away from crime.

The girl will be required to have an attendance rate of at least 80% at the day centre and if the programme is successfully completed it will lead to a placement on a FAS training course.

The day care order is provided for under Section 118 of the 2001 Children Act and aimed at at juveniles who are held to be at a moderate to high risk of re-offending.

The court must first seek a probation report outlining the child's suitability for this community sanction.