DUBBO Local Court Magistrate Andrew Eckhold has expressed concern about the limited treatment options available for people suffering from the dual diagnosis of drug addiction and mental illness.
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He said mentally ill and drug addicted defendants coming before the court frequently “fell into the gap” of existing health services.
“I see this all too often,’’ Magistrate Eckhold said.
“The drug dependencies are massive and problems are exacerbated by self-medication with drugs and alcohol.’’
The magistrate made the comments while dealing with a 37-year-old Dubbo woman being held at Wellington Correctional Centre.
The woman had been called up on a breach of bond, initiated by the probation and parole service. No pleas were entered to two charges of larceny.
Magistrate Eckhold said the woman had recently been released as an in-patient at Dubbo Base Hospital.
“She attended the probation and parole service saying she was out of control.
“She had been kicked out of home by her mother who appears to be overwhelmed by her daughter’s problems.’’
The woman’s solicitor said the mother had made contact with the legal service offering to allow her daughter to return home under strict conditions.
“The mother is prepared to accommodate (the daughter) if she does not use drugs, stays away from people associated with drugs and applies to enter residential drug rehabilitation,’’ the solicitor said.
“The mother believes (the daughter) should remain at the house and not leave unless in the company of the mother.
“Bail could be fashioned from the mother’s wishes - the conditions are workable.’’
Police opposed bail, citing the defendant’s history of drug use and failure to comply with court orders.
“Bonds have been breached, warrants have been issued,’’ the police prosecutor said.
“She is on the cusp of another custodial sentence.’’
Magistrate Eckhold said the woman’s dual drug-mental illness diagnosis made it difficult for her to enter a mainstream rehabilitation centre.
“I want her assessed for treatment,’’ he said.
“Bail is refused.’’
The woman observing court proceedings from the audiovisual room at Wellington Correctional Centre reacted with an emotional outburst.
“This is crazy,’’ she said.
“The only thing I did wrong was to myself. I want to plead not guilty and apply for bail. I have had enough of this circus.’’
The woman started crying before the audiovisual link was closed.
She will reappear in court on September 19.
