Cork woman denies multiple shoplifting charges but admits to stealing power tools worth €867

Accused told garda in relation to charge of stealing power tools from B&Q in Mahon Point: 'I did that — I’ll give you that one'

B&Q at Mahon Point, Cork, where woman admitted stealing power tools. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 56-year-old Fermoy woman who replied she was not guilty to several shoplifting offences replied to the arresting garda in respect of one count on Monday: “I did that — I’ll give you that one.” 

Garda Jim Smiddy charged Grainne O’Connor of 6 Ard Abhainn, Carrignagroghera, Fermoy, Co Cork, with carrying out thefts at stores mainly in shopping areas in Blackpool and Mahon, Cork.

Garda Smiddy gave evidence at Cork District Court of informing Ms O’Connor she did not have to reply, but that anything she might say would be taken down and given in evidence.

To charge after charge the reply was the same: “Not guilty.”

However, in respect of one recent offence there was a different reply. It related at B&Q in Mahon Point retail park on September 2 where she was charged with stealing tools, valued at €867, and the reply to Garda Smiddy was: “I did that — I’ll give you that one.” 

There was no prosecution objection to the accused being remanded on bail. However, she was required to commit no offences, sign three times weekly at Fermoy Garda Station, and to stay out of shopping centres at Mahon Point, Blackpool, Douglas and Douglas Court, and to stay out of retail parks at Blackpool and Mahon Point.

On the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until October 14 at Cork District Court to allow time for directions.

Charges of shoplifting run from November last year to this month. Ms O’Connor is charged with counts alleging that on: November 27 2024 she stole three items of clothing at Frasers, Mahon Point; May 24 this year at Dunnes Stores, Blackpool Shopping Centre, she stole alcohol valued at €212; July 26, stealing packets of razors from Boots pharmacy in Mahon Point; August 6 at Scally’s SuperValu, shoplifting; August 8 at Dunnes Stores, Douglas Court shopping centre, stealing €251 worth of property; August 8, stealing power tools from B&Q in Mahon retail park; September 2, at the same location, stealing more tools, valued €867; and September 6 at JD Sports, Blackpool retail park, stealing €165 worth of clothing.