Brave 87-year-old Corkwoman fights off shoplifter

An 87-year-old Corkwoman who saved to buy presents for her grandchildren had to fend off a shoplifter who tried to pickpocket her purse — and yesterday the victim spoke of her sadness at having her confidence dented.

Judge Mary Dorgan agreed with defence solicitor Frank Buttimer’s description of Margaret Ward’s crimes as being nasty, mean and offensive to people going about their everyday business at Christmastime.

Judge Dorgan imposed an overall jail term of nine months on Dubliner Ward. Inspector Finbarr O’Sullivan said Ward had 88 previous convictions of which 42 were for theft.