Bra thief admits biting security guard on finger during bust-up

A bra thief involved in a bust-up with store security had 33 previous convictions, more than half for stealing, a court has heard.

The woman, who stole five bras, bit a security guard on the finger, saying she had been manhandled.

Judge Olann Kelleher yesterday said that Rachel Ryan, by her own admission, had assaulted the security guard to get away from him. “It was not self-defence,” he said.

Ryan, aged 31, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to stealing the underwear but denied assaulting Darren Ryan, a security guard at Heaton’s in Blackpool retail park in Cork.

The judge imposed a suspended jail sentence of four months on Ryan, of 24 St John’s Square, Blackpool, Cork, for assaulting Mr Ryan, and a similar suspended term for the shoplifting offence.

Insp Michael McGuire said Ryan had 33 previous convictions, including for theft and assault.

Mr Ryan’s evidence was that Ryan would not return to the shop when approached outside about not paying for the items.

Ryan admitted she tried to walk away and claimed Mr Ryan pushed her into bushes.

“We were scuffling for ages. I was trying to walk away. I shouldn’t have done that but I did,” said Ryan.

Concerning being manhandled, Judge Kelleher asked: “Did you not think you could be manhandled for stealing?” Ryan replied: “No I did not, your honour.”

“You bit his finger?” the judge asked. She replied: “I must have, yeah, to break free. In reaction when you are being attacked you will bite back.”