Cork woman bailed on shoplifting charges arrested again within hours 

Judge describes accused's application for bail as 'unbelievable and extraordinary'

Among the items allegedly stolen was a bottle of wine worth €45. File picture

A Cork woman who was released on bail on Wednesday afternoon on 10 charges related to alleged shoplifting was charged with six further counts — within hours — including shoplifting and assaults on staff at shops.

Margaret Deasy, age 35, of Cork Simon Community, made a new bail application on Thursday at Cork District Court, an application described by Judge Mary Dorgan as "unbelievable and extraordinary".

As the judge refused bail, Deasy stood up in the dock and shouted, ‘tramp’, as she was taken into custody until April 10.

Garda Patrick Houlihan objected to bail being granted to the accused on two assault charges and four counts of shoplifting on the afternoon of April 3.

Judge Dorgan said: “She was given bail four days ago on condition that she was to stay out of shops and abstain from intoxicants.

“There are strong allegations she has not done that. There were 10 new charges before the court yesterday and she got bail a second time. This is third time unlucky.

There is absolutely no way the court could entertain a bail application.

"It is unbelievable she could get bail on 10 new offences and be back before the court on six more offences since then where it is alleged she was caught red-handed. It is alleged she has continued to offend while on bail.

“I am not satisfied she is sober — even in court today. It is extraordinary she is even looking for bail. Having got bail yesterday she is not getting bail today.”

Cross-examined by Sergeant John Kelleher in the course of her bail application about CCTV showing her assaulting two store staff yesterday, Deasy said it was not true.

Garda Patrick Houlihan said in his objection to bail: “It is alleged that on April 3, Margaret Deasy went into Benneton shop on Oliver Plunkett Street and selected a woman’s Gillet jacket worth €70 and left the premises without offering payment. She was followed by security who asked for it back but she refused and kept on walking. The theft was witnessed by security and there is CCTV of the incident.

“It is alleged she entered Diesel on Oliver Plunkett Street and stole clothing to the value of €73 and there is CCTV of this which is of good quality.

“It is alleged she entered The Wine Buff on Oliver Plunkett Street and stole a bottle of wine valued at €44.99 and while leaving she kicked the staff member in the leg. CCTV is of excellent quality.

“She entered Penney’s and stole €40 worth of clothing and this is on CCTV.

“It is alleged she spat at a security guard in Marks and Spencer when confronted. CCTV is of good quality.”