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Donal O'Regan, 8 Jul
THE CASE against a “particularly brazen serial shoplifter” has been
adjourned to allow the woman deal with her addiction issues.
Pauline Casey, aged 44, of St Munchin’s Street, St Mary’s Park,
Limerick city appeared before Judge Dermot Sheehan at Limerick Circuit
Criminal Court.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor
Padraig Mawe, said the reason the case is being heard in the circuit
court and not the district court is because “Ms Casey is a significant
and longstanding recidivist”.
“She has pleaded guilty to a series of thefts between September 20,
2021 and April 21, 2022. The total financial loss is €1,319.39,” said
Mr O’Sullivan, who outlined the offences to Judge Sheean with the
assistance of Garda Darragh O’Shea.
The court heard Ms Casey stole a charity box from Supermac’s on the
Ballysimon Road, household appliances from Garvey’s SuperValu in Grove
Island and a number of thefts of cosmetics from Boots on William
Street.
Mr O’Sullivan asked Garda O’Shea if any of the property was recovered?
“No,” said Garda O’Shea.
The prosecuting barrister said Ms Casey is well known to gardai as a
“serial shoplifter”.
“I am aware of drugs and alcohol issues. She has a serious drug
addiction. She is well known to security guards. Efforts have been made
to bar her from shops. When she was granted bail an order was made on
her to stay away from Limerick city centre. She has 143 previous
convictions,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
These include thefts, possession and sale or supply of drugs, public
order, threatening / insulting / abusive behaviour and assault causing
harm.
Mr O’Sullivan asked Garda O’Shea if the series of thefts were
particularly brazen?
“Yes. No effort was made to conceal her appearance,” said Garda O’Shea,
who added Ms Casey was easily identifiable on CCTV.
Erin O’Hagan, barrister for Ms Casey, said her client has pleaded
guilty, it is her first time in the circuit court and is a lady who has
struggled with addiction for many years.
The barrister said the accused has four children and her eldest is
expecting a child.
Ms O’Hagan said Ms Casey had overcome her addiction and did not come to
garda attention for a period of time. The court heard Ms Casey had
advised women in Coolmine and Adapt but “unfortunately found herself
back in addiction”.
“Nobody was more disappointed than Ms Casey,” said Ms O’Hagan.
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Judge Dermot Sheehan said he was not going to deal with the matter on
the day. He said there is a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
“She needs to go to the Probation Service and start reengaging to deal
with her addiction issues. She will shortly be a grandmother. She does
not appreciate the seriousness of the situation,” said Judge Sheehan.
The judge said he can’t make any promises regarding not imposing a
custodial sentence but will see what steps she has made to reform
herself and deal with her addiction issues.
Judge Sheehan reaffirmed Ms Casey’s bail conditions of not committing
any offences and staying out of the city centre.
The case was adjourned.