Woman trying to burgle church got stuck in window

A young woman who tried to carry out a burglary at a church broke a window and was hoisted in by her accomplice but she got stuck half-way and was unable to complete the crime.

Judge Leo Malone at Cork District Court accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case at that court.

The accused woman, Leanne Hegarty of 48 Gurranabraher Avenue, Cork, pleaded guilty yesterday to that offence of burglary at the South Parish church on Dunbar St, Cork, on June 26.

A witness observed the break-in. First a window of the church was smashed and then a male accomplice lifted Hegarty up to the window and she tried unsuccessfully to climb in. Gardai arrived and arrested the 21-year-old woman and her accomplice.

As well as pleading guilty to trespassing with intent to steal, she pleaded guilty to other crimes committed in the past two months.

At Supermacs fast-food restaurant at North Main St, Cork, on May 10, her male accomplice grabbed a handbag from a woman at a table. He ran out the door which was held open by Hegarty. He has been sentenced.

Hegarty admitted her part in that theft and also pleaded guilty to shoplifting at Dealz on Grand Parade and at two city centre pharmacies, McCarthy’s and Lloyd’s. Hegarty, who appeared via video link entered guilty pleas to all charges.

Judge Leo Malone said he would not go ahead with sentencing yesterday because a number of other courts would still have to consider previously suspended jail terms. The case may be sent back for sentencing in the coming days.