Woman’s purse stolen at hair salon by thief who was pretending to help

An elderly woman had her purse containing €300 snatched by a woman who pretended to be helping her at a hair salon.

Inspector Mary King said yesterday the elderly lady was attending Technique hair salon at Mayfield shopping centre and was carrying her bags out from the salon to a waiting taxi. The victim left her purse containing €300 and a lottery ticket on a seat as she left the salon on March 21.

Marguerite Crean, aged 35, of 11 Kilkieran Close, Hollyhill, Cork, was present in the salon at the time and she spotted the purse.

“Ms Crean picked up the purse and informed staff she would return it to the injured party outside.

“But she took the purse containing €300 and left the scene. She made no attempt to hand back the lady’s purse,” Insp King said.

She was identified leaving the scene on CCTV.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said: “She co-operated with the gardaí and accepted responsibility.”

Judge Tim Lucey said: “The issue here is compensation, whatever penalty is to be imposed.”

Mr Buttimer said the defendant had saved half the amount and needed more time to get the remainder.

Mr Buttimer said of Crean: “It was a situation where this lady took advantage, quite frankly. It was opportunistic. She has had certain addiction difficulties which are being addressed. I cannot really put forward those difficulties as an explanation for this.”

Judge Lucey said that with a previous theft conviction, she could end up with a custodial sentence. However, if the full €300 was in court for the victim in four weeks, he would simply fine Crean €100 this time.

The purse and lottery ticket were found afterwards on the day of the offence but the €300 was gone.