Vol. 404 No. 1
138 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if, in relation to a prisoner (details supplied) who failed to do his community service when he suffered a nervous breakdown following the recent death of his sister and father and as a result was committed to Shelton Abbey for three months, he will consider his release on compassionate grounds in view of the special circumstances.
On 12 January 1990 the District Court revoked the community service order which had been imposed on the person referred to by the Deputy because of his failure to comply with the order. The court substituted a sentence of three months imprisonment. This was appealed and on 4 December 1990 the Circuit Court affirmed the order of the District Court.
I am informed by the probation and welfare service that the person at no stage informed his probation and welfare officer of any problem affecting his health despite the fact that the person was advised that if he became ill at any time during the course of the order he should submit a medical certificate to that effect.
While I am not prepared to authorise release for this offender at this stage I have approved his temporary release for a few days at Christmas.
