Tracking device in Cork village's hanging baskets traced them to home of Carrigaline woman

Accused women admitted the charge of possession of six stolen flower baskets — each valued at €30

Between May 29 and May 31, 2023, there were six hanging baskets and flowers stolen from Inch, Killeagh, Co Cork. File picture

A tracking device in a community group’s hanging basket helped gardaí to find the flowers that had been decorating their remote area outside Killeagh after they were moved to the home of a mother-of-seven in Carrigaline.

The 45-year-old woman had denied the charge of handling stolen property and after a number of adjournments, the case was listed for hearing at Cork District Court on Thursday.

However, when the case was called before Judge Marian O’Leary, defence solicitor Donal Daly said Mary O’Driscoll was pleading guilty to the charge.

While the possession of stolen property charge refers to knowing or being reckless as to whether property was stolen, Mr Daly said in this case it was a matter of being reckless.

After hearing an outline of the background to the case from Inspector Brendan McKenna, and evidence the defendant had four previous convictions for theft, Judge Marian O’Leary fined her €200 for possession of the stolen flower baskets.

Mr Daly had asked Judge O’Leary to take into consideration the fact the stolen property was recovered and there was no loss to the owners.

Mary O’Driscoll, of 18 Brookhill, Ballea Road, Carrigaline, Co Cork, admitted the charge of possession of six stolen flower baskets — each valued at €30.

Between May 29 and May 31, 2023, there were six hanging baskets and flowers stolen from Inch, Killeagh, Co Cork. They were valued €180. And because something similar happened the year before, members of the local community who put up the baskets put an Apple tracker into one of the baskets.

Inspector McKenna said the tracker gave its location as Ms O’Driscoll’s address.

She was prosecuted for being in possession of the baskets, knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen.