Wicklow mum facing drug charges says she wants to get help to be with her children
The Wicklow PeopleA Bray woman struggling with addiction and mental health issues has appeared before Bray District Court, where she is facing three counts of drug possession.
Hollie Murphy (33) of NFA, Ravenswell, Bray, Co. Wicklow appeared before Bray District Court via video link from The Dóchas Centre in Dublin, where she is currently in custody. Ms Murphy was charged with three counts of possession of drugs, namely diamorphine and cocaine. All incidents occurred in 2023.
The court heard Ms Murphy was living rough in Bray in 2023 when the incidents took place. Her solicitor Patrick McNeice told the court that his client was struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
Mr McNeice said that his client wanted to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity and to enter a treatment program “to help address her issues”. The court heard Ms Murphy has two children who are currently in care and wanted to receive help so she can “finally live her life” and be with her children.
Ms Murphy told the court that she is currently linked in with The Probation Service due to a recent case and hopes it can help her “overcome her current circumstances”.
The court was told bail was granted on Friday, September 5, but Ms Murphy was unable to take up her release as she could not afford the €250 cash lodgement. Judge David Kennedy said he wanted to see her again on Thursday, September 11 and would waive the cash requirement.
He agreed to release her on bail pending a probation report. Ms Murphy thanked Judge Kennedy.
Judge Kennedy told Ms Murphy “you have a very long road ahead of you”.
Ms Murphy was remanded in custody at The Dóchas Centre until Thursday, September 11.