Jail term replaces community order

Tanya Bethel of Grove Hill, Banbridge, had been convicted of theft on November 5 last year at the local court.

As a result she was made the subject of a community service order. However, at last week’s court the probation service applied to have the order revoked and to have her re-sentenced.

The application was lodged because Bethel had reportedly failed to attend as instructed on three occasions.

A solicitor representing the defendant said she was suffering post-natal depression at the time of the offence and her judgment was clouded.

He added that she was under severe pressure and her partner was currently serving a prison sentence. The solicitor asked the court to give her a second chance.

District Judge Benita Boyd told Bethel she had been given opportunities to complete the community service order but had failed to do so.

She added that there was only one option left, which was a custodial sentence.

It was with some hesitation, she said, that she would suspend the jail term.

The judge imposed a three month prison term, suspended for 18 months.