A judge in Ennis, Ireland, has expressed concern over a woman's repeated shoplifting offenses, particularly a recent theft of five pairs of sunglasses worth €910. The judge recognized the woman's history of kleptomania and her tendency to steal under stress, but emphasized the need to protect shop owners from further theft.
A judge has stated that Mary McDonagh (44), a woman from Ennis, Ireland , 'simply can’t stop herself' from stealing. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Alec Gabbett questioned if McDonagh is 'a classic kleptomaniac.' Sergeant Frank O’Grady informed the court that McDonagh has 14 previous convictions for theft, including the recent theft of five pairs of sunglasses worth €910 from Specsavers on Ennis’s Market Street last September 2.
McDonagh pleaded guilty to the theft contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. McDonagh’s solicitor, Tara Godfrey, told the court that her client 'has a history of theft' and 'resorts to thieving as a way of relieving personal stress.' Godfrey explained that McDonagh turns to stealing when she is under the weather or other family members are ill. The good news, she said, is that McDonagh has not come to the attention of the Gardai since last September, and the time before that was around one year. Judge Gabbett inquired from Godfrey if her client 'is a classic kleptomaniac?' He stated that there appears to be a compulsion on McDonagh’s part to steal, saying, 'She simply can't stop herself.' Judge Gabbett then posed a question to Godfrey: 'How can we protect the shop-owners of Ennis from this?'Godfrey responded that her client has 'come to grips' with her compulsion. She emphasized that McDonagh is not enriching herself from these thefts, stating, 'It is an emotional, psychological issue.' Judge Gabbett agreed, saying he didn't believe it was about money, given that McDonagh has a supportive husband. Expressing concern over McDonagh’s previous convictions, Judge Gabbett said, 'No matter what is going on, prison or the probation service, she is still back here in court.' Judge Gabbett also expressed concern over the value of the items stolen in the Specsavers incident. He noted, 'It is a much bigger theft than she normally does.' Godfrey commented on the disparity in value, saying, 'Five pairs of sunglasses in Jimmys of Ennis would be €5 and five pairs of sunglasses in Specsavers would be €910 and that is what happened.' Godfrey added that the sunglasses were recovered from McDonagh before she left the store. This, Judge Gabbett said, is why he would not impose an immediate jail term. He instead imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years. He warned, 'I need to keep the axe in the air and the six months will be imposed if there is any other theft over the next two years.
KLEPTOMANIA SHOPLIFTING IRELAND CRIME COURT SENTENCE
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Woman Refuses to Help Sister After Husband Affair and BabyA woman is facing family backlash after refusing to help her sister and newborn following her husband's affair with her sibling. The woman, who recently divorced her husband after discovering the betrayal, stands firm in her decision to sever ties with both of them. Now, her sister faces homelessness after being evicted by her former husband, prompting their parents to pressure the woman to intervene. The woman maintains her stance, refusing to offer any assistance and sparking a heated debate about family loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.
Read more »
Woman in 70s Dies After Antrim Road CollisionA pedestrian in her 70s tragically died following a collision with a car on the Antrim Road in Glengormley, Co. Antrim, on Monday, January 13. The PSNI is investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Read more »
Woman, 70s, killed in horror collisionEmergency services rushed to the scene of the collision on the Antrim Road in Glengormley
Read more »
Woman Dies After Being Pulled From Water in GalwayA tragic incident occurred in Galway, Ireland, where a woman lost her life after being pulled from the water at Claddagh Quay. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at University Hospital Galway. The cause of death is yet to be determined, and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to provide crucial information for the ongoing Garda investigation.
Read more »
Woman Sues Conor McGregor for Sexual Assault at 2023 NBA FinalsA woman is suing Conor McGregor for alleged sexual assault during the 2023 NBA Finals. The lawsuit claims the incident occurred in a VIP bathroom at the Kaseya Centre in Miami. McGregor denies the allegations and his attorney states that criminal charges were previously dropped.
Read more »
Gymgoer Leaves Others 'Mortified' With 'Unforgivable' 10-Minute Changing Room BehaviourA woman shared her disgust on Mumsnet after encountering another gym-goer who sat naked on benches and rubbed lotion all over them for 10 minutes in the changing rooms. The original poster called the behaviour 'grim' and questioned the woman's lack of consideration for others. While some defended the woman, claiming it was more hygienic than sitting in sweaty workout clothes, others were horrified and shared their own similar experiences.
Read more »