Woman in jail for stealing 10 bottles of spirits in Cork sentenced for theft of six more

The court heard that when her time in custody comes to an end her plan is to leave Cork City and live with a relative in North Cork

The woman stole six bottles of whiskey worth €220 from the Marks and Spencer store in Cork City. File picture

A woman serving a jail term for stealing 10 bottles of spirits from the Marks and Spencer store in Cork City has been sentenced again for the theft of six more bottles of whiskey from the same outlet.

32-year-old Christina Smith of Cork Simon Community pleaded guilty to carrying out the theft with a man.

Judge Mary Dorgan sentenced her to two months in prison at Cork District Court. That sentence will run concurrently with a six-month sentence for stealing from the same shop and a series of other shoplifting offences.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Ms Smith and a man entered the store at 2.30pm on July 18 and selected six bottles of whiskey to the value of €220 and left the store without paying for them. The alcohol was never recovered by the store.

When arrested and interviewed in relation to this theft she made full admissions. Sgt Kelleher said the defendant had 30 previous theft convictions.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said: “Both of her parents suffered from addictions. She is dealing with a drug addiction. She was recently put on Suboxone which has had a significant positive effect for her. Unlike methadone, she cannot take heroin with it.

“She is doing well in prison, doing courses in hairdressing and art. She is in a very good place at the moment and looks very healthy.” 

The solicitor said that when her time in custody comes to an end her plan is to leave Cork City and live with a relative in North Cork.

Imposing a concurrent sentence which will not increase her overall time in prison, Judge Mary Dorgan said: “This is an opportunity for you to make a new start.”