Drug link to almost half the crimes of Probation Service clients

Some 81% of the sample reported having misused drugs or alcohol at some point in their lifetime.

The report stated that substance misuse is "a pervasive issue amongst young people". Library Picture: Getty

Almost half of the people involved with the Probation Service had a link between drug misuse and the current offence which had brought them before the courts, according to new research.

The study found that 48% of those in the research sample had a drug link to their crime. It also that suggested early screening and intervention of problematic drink and drug use among younger people might steer them away from offending.