A judge joked about a drug addict saying she took heroin because it was cheaper than red wine in a debate about drugs policy.

Oxford Crown Court judge Julian Hall was taking part in a panel discussion organised by drugs charity Smart to discuss the Government’s drug policy.

In response to a children’s guardian who raised the issue of parents with drug problems being told they had to either quit or lose their children, Judge Hall said: “There was a woman who was about to lose her children, she had gone without drugs for a while and she’d got back on them.

“She was being asked ‘why did you do this when you knew you would lose your children, and she said ‘it’s cheaper than cabernet sauvignon’.

“But, in all seriousness, one of the other topics that should be addressed is the difference in our attitude towards alcohol and drugs.”

About 100 people, ranging from former and recovering drug addicts, to representatives from the NHS, attended the panel at St John’s College.

Judge Hall was joined on the panel by psychiatrist Andrew McBride, sociologist Prof Neil McKeganey, Wendy Dawson, the chief executive of Yarnton drug rehabilitation centre the Ley Community and Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, with former Thames Valley Partnership chief executive Sue Raikes chairing the meeting.

One person, who des-cribed himself as a service user, said: “It seems to me prolific offenders get residential treatment fast-tracked because they are a burden to society. Should I become a burglar so I can get treatment?”

Ms Dawson said the situation was “criminal” and offered to speak to him after the meeting.

Mr Habgood said: “In an ideal world, we would have access for treatment for everybody, but when resources are limited, there should be some kind of prioritisation.

“It shouldn’t be rewarding offenders, but should be on the basis of reducing harm.”

When the audience was asked to vote on whether the Government policy should be focused on health rather than crime, the majority voted in favour.

They were split about whether policy should feature a greater emphasis on abstention.

After the meeting, Judge Hall said: “When dealing with cases, I have to rely on what the probation service tell me, what the drug assessment people tell me and my own gut feeling.”

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk