Woman stole garden strimmer from Bantry shed despite not having a garden, court hears

Defendant admitted stealing the strimmer and pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary. File picture

A woman stole a garden strimmer from a shed in Bantry despite the fact that she did not have a garden, the district court has heard.

Court presenter Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan told Bantry District Court that a garden strimmer was taken from a shed at a property in Derreenkealig, Bantry, Co Cork, on October 6, 2024, at about 1pm.

The theft was reported to gardaí and a suspect — Caroline O’Donovan, aged 28 of Kealtis, Durrus, Co Cork — was identified. O’Donovan admitted stealing the strimmer and pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary. The court was told that O’Donovan had 19 previous convictions, 14 of which were for public order offences.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said O’Donovan had issues with drug and alcohol addiction. He said that for a period of three or four years, O’Donovan would appear at Bantry District Court on an almost monthly basis.

He said that O’Donovan had sought treatment, had become a mother and was “doing very well”. Mr Murphy said that when O’Donovan “breaks out” she “creates havoc.” 

He added: “When she throws one of these episodes, she has no boundaries.” Mr Murphy said that despite stealing a garden strimmer, O’Donovan did not have a garden.

The court was told that the house where the strimmer had been stolen from had been vacant for some time following a fire. O’Donovan told the court she was not working but planned to look for employment.

Judge Joanne Carroll said that O’Donovan was a smart woman and though she may not have a garden the injured party did. She said that O’Donovan had previously benefitted from the Probation Act but she “must learn now. .

The judge said that if O’Donovan came before the court again she would “end up in prison”. The judge added: “I can’t understand why she’s not out working with a child to support.” 

O’Donovan was convicted of burglary and sentenced to three months in prison suspended for 18 months.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme