Accused applying for bail in Cork shoplifting case claims she has her shopping done online

She said: “I don’t need all the things—all ours was bought online. I don’t need the hustle and bustle of shops.” File picture: Larry Cummins

Gardaí objected to bail being granted to a woman accused of shoplifting because they believed she would go straight back into the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and steal again if released.

However, the accused denied this, adding that she had all her Christmas shopping done online.

Garda Seán Finnegan said the gardaí were totally opposed to bail being granted to 39-year-old Yvonne Carroll as they believed she would carry out more shoplifting on release.

Shane Collins-Daly, defence solicitor, asked during the application for bail at Cork District Court if there were any conditions of bail that would satisfy the guards on which she could be released.

Garda Finnegan replied, “No, absolutely none.” He added that he did not believe she would turn up if granted bail.

When she got into the witness box she was cross-examined by Sergeant Pat Lyons who challenged her evidence that she would turn up in court if granted bail.

Sgt Lyons said: “How can we have faith that you will? Christmas is coming, town is full, the shops are buzzing.” Ms Carroll replied: “It is not the shops, it’s the drugs that gets me.” 

And in that regard she said she was clean of heroin for the past three months but did go drinking which resulted in the latest charges.

As for stealing stuff from shops, she said: “I don’t need all the things—all ours was bought online. I don’t need the hustle and bustle of shops.” Judge Mary Dorgan refused the bail application and remanded the accused in custody until Wednesday, December 20.

Yvonne Carroll is accused of handling stolen property—three knives valued €45 from Homesense, Grand Parade, Cork—on December 14. She faces an earlier charge of stealing €126 worth of sports clothing from Elvery’s in Cork City on December 3.