Erris thief has repaid €11,000 to her neighbours
The Judge said it seems that past traumas in the accused's life may have contributed to the development of her gambling addiction.
An Erris woman who burgled the homes of two neighbours has received a suspended prison sentence.
Antoninette McHale, aged 58, of Bunnahowen, Glencastle, previously pleaded guilty to the crimes before a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
Sometime between October 28 and 29, 2021, McHale burgled the home of Gerry Coyle at Doolough, Geesala while the family were attending his daughter’s wedding reception.
When the family returned home, they discovered the key to the back door was missing and $7,320 in US dollars and €400 from wedding cards had been taken.
Just a day earlier, she entered the home of 89-year old Pauline McMenamin and stole €4,690 from a safe in a bedroom. Ms McMenamin was at home at the time but had no idea McHale had trespassed in her home. The court heard McHale would have been regarded as a trusted family friend by Ms McMenamin.
The court heard the accused had a serious gambling addiction and the case was adjourned for finalisation with McHale appearing in court again last week.
She came to Garda attention twice more since these offences were committed, stealing perfume from a pharmacy in Ballina and shoplifting in Galway.
Diarmuid Connolly BL, representing McHale, said his client is a ‘complex individual with complex problems.’ He said her offending stemmed from a gambling addiction. She now attends Gamblers Anonymous and has repaid €11,000 to her victims.
Mr Connolly said the accused is isolated and a ‘pariah’ in her community.
McHale told the court that she was ashamed of her actions and wanted to apologise to the people she stole from.
She said she did not want pity but said she has nothing to her name and rarely leaves her house.
Judge Eoin Garavan described the woman’s crimes as mean and opportunistic. He said he would consider the fact that McHale has long-term mental health issues and a serious gambling addiction. The Judge said it seems that past traumas in her life may have contributed to the development of the addiction.
“Her reputation is sullied forever,” Judge Garavan remarked.
He imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence.
