Woman has long history of theft offences
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A 67-year-old Ballina woman with a long history of theft offences has appeared in court again.
Margaret Horne, of 15 St Muredach’s Terrace, Ballina, was warned by Judge Vincent Deane that she will end up in prison for shoplifting offences.
Gda Sgt Conor McShane told Castlebar District Court that the case related to the theft of items valued at €125 from Aran Health Pharmacy at Claremorris Tesco Shopping Centre. The property stolen consisted of decorations and jewellery, all of which were recovered.
Sgt McShane said the accused has approximately 70 previous convictions for theft.
Defence solicitor Gary Mulchrone told the court that Horne is originally from Scotland. She has a diagnosis of kleptomania and was fully cooperative at the scene and with gardaí. He added that she is in receipt of a pension of €230 per week.
He noted that her last offence dated back to 2021 and that she had enjoyed a period of abstinence since then.
The court also heard that Horne is due to undergo surgery in March.
Imposing a fine of €150, Judge Deane warned the accused to stay out of trouble, stating: “You won’t get surgery in prison.”
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
