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Thursday, 17 October, 2002, 18:40 GMT 19:40 UK

Bush niece Noelle jailed again

By Fergal Parkinson
BBC correspondent in Miami

The daughter of the Florida governor and the president's niece, Noelle Bush, has been jailed for 10 days for failing to meet the conditions of a drug treatment programme.

She was sentenced after police found crack cocaine in her room at a drug rehabilitation centre that she was sent to for treatment for an addiction to prescription pills.


" I am disappointed. Your have let a lot of people down "

Judge Reginald Whitehead

This will be Noelle Bush's second time in prison.

In July she was sentenced to three days in jail after being found with illegally obtained prescription pills.

The 25-year-old was first arrested back in January for trying to buy an anti-anxiety drug using a false prescription.

Embarrassing incident

She was ordered by a court to be sent to a rehabilitation centre in Orlando.

It was here that police last month found crack cocaine hidden in her shoe.

The judge said on Thursday he had no option but to sentence her to 10 days in jail and she was led away in handcuffs.

The sentencing of his daughter is another deeply embarrassing incident for Jeb Bush who is campaigning to be re-elected as the governor of Florida.

He was not in court.

Known to be tough on crime, he is a supporter of long sentences for repeat offenders.

In a statement, he said he loved his daughter very much and asked the public and media to respect their privacy during this difficult time.


Related to this story:
Bush's niece 'found with cocaine' (10 Sep 02 | Americas) Bush's niece jailed over drugs (18 Jul 02 | Americas) Bush's niece enters drug clinic (10 Feb 02 | Americas) More bother for Bush daughter (06 Jul 01 | Americas) Alcohol sentence for Bush daughter (08 Jun 01 | Americas)


Internet links: Office of the Governor of Florida | Center for Drug Free Living (Florida)
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