Shoplifting a 'considerable nuisance' to shopkeepers, judge says as she jails serial offender

Accused carried out a string of shoplifting offences in Cork City, court heard

Accused's previous convictions included 40 for theft, court told. Picture: Larry Cummins

Shoplifting must be causing a “considerable nuisance" to shopkeepers on an ongoing basis, a judge said as she jailed a repeat offender for seven months for her latest litany of crimes.

Judge Mary Dorgan jailed Noreen Foley, aged 36, of no fixed address, for the offences at Cork District Court.

Shane Collins-Daly, solicitor, said unfortunately the defendant had difficulties for many years where her addictions escalated to heroin and living in hostels and various kinds of temporary accommodation including hotels and guesthouses.

“When stopped for thefts she made full admissions. She didn’t have much of a recollection of these events because of intoxication to prescription tablets taken to excess and without prescriptions,” Mr Collins-Daly said.

He said she had mental health issues and significant physical health problems.

Judge Dorgan said: “I take into consideration that she pleaded guilty. However, there is a really long list of thefts which must be causing considerable nuisance to shop owners on an ongoing basis.” 

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said Ms Foley’s previous convictions included 40 for theft. And he gave an outline of her latest offences.

On September 19, at the Crawford bar on Anglesea Terrace, she stole a debit card from a member of staff and later used it to make purchases in Cork City.

On October 21 at Centra St Patrick’s St, she was involved in shoplifting and similar crimes, again on October 24 at Cummins Sports, North Main St, at Euro Giant on North Main St on the same date, and at Daybreak, North Main St, on November 1.

On November 4 at the bus station in Parnell Place, she was drunk and a danger and engaged in threatening behaviour. “She was shouting loudly and swearing at people waiting for buses. She was aggressive with gardaí on arrest,” Sgt Davis said.

There was further shoplifting on November 20 at Elverys Sports, Oliver Plunkett St, on November 23 at Diesel, Oliver Plunkett St, and on November 25 at JD Sports, St Patrick’s St.