Teen prostitute released into care home
A 17-year-old girl charged with prostitution was today released from custody to be put into a care home but was not permitted to live with her mother.
It is alleged that she had been accompanied by her mother and little sister, aged six, when she was engaged in an act of prostitution in a laneway with a 50-year-old man, the Children’s Court had heard.
The girl had claimed that her mother was protecting her when she was engaged in prostitution. “She was minding me, making sure I don’t get pregnant,” she had said.
The girl’s mother, who was in court yesterday, has also been arrested as part of the investigation and could be prosecuted for her involvement.
The teenager is charged under section 7 of the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act for loitering in a public place with intent to solicit or importune another person for the purposes of prostitution, at Stoneybatter, D7, on January 3.
The girl has spent the last three weeks in custody over fears for her safety and to allow time for social workers to intervene.
Judge Angela Ní Chonduin heard today that a team of social workers has intervened and a placement in a care home has been provided where the girl could be monitored around the clock.
Judge Ní Chonduin agreed to grant bail but added that the case will be continually supervised by the court. The girl was granted bail for two weeks on condition that she remain in the care home from 7pm until morning time.
She also ordered the girl to co-operate with a comprehensive care programme which has been put in place. The girl, who had been abusing heroin, is to be given counselling for drug abuse, educational assistance and a psychological assessment may also be undertaken.
“I want to retrieve what I can of her young life and get it back on track,” Judge Ní Chonduin said as she released girl on strict bail terms.
It was also indicated that should the girl progress positively in the care home and accept the assistance which has been offered to her, the criminal charges may be struck out. “I do not want her to have a criminal record for that charge. It would be to her detriment in the future,” the judge said.
The girl, who has had a legal guardian appointed to her, was then released on bail for two weeks when the case will be reviewed.
“I am going to keep a tight reign on the case,” said Judge Ní Chonduin.
She also warned that should the girl breach the bail conditions she would be put back into custody.
