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System struggles to cope with disruptive offender
The courts are struggling to solve the problem of Linda Anne Whittaker.
The woman, aged in her late 50s, is vexing judges, health professionals, probation officers, police, prisons, and family.
She has been regularly returning to the courts in recent times.
She has trouble abiding by restrictions, and living where she is supposed to be.
She was back before Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish at the Rangiora Court House today for sentencing on her latest breach of her prison release conditions.
She has been in custody for a month since her arrest on that charge.
The experts say she is not unwell enough to be subject to a compulsory mental health treatment order.
Judge Farish considered giving her a long enough prison sentence to ensure that a social worker would be assigned to her, but decided against it.
"This case highlights the huge vacuum there is in the justice system," said Judge Farish. ?The health system is a public disgrace.?
She struggled on with the sentencing with Whittaker continually interrupting and talking over the top of her from the dock.
Whittaker's brother was in court. He has offered her a home, and said Hillmorton Hospital had told him previously that if there was any trouble he should call the police.
Probation has effectively given up. The officer recommended that the judge cancel the prison release conditions because Whittaker could not comply with them, and the judge did that.
Judge Farish settled on a four-month jail term.
Whittaker has already served one month, and will be released after she serves another month ? half her sentence.
