'Brazen serial shoplifter’ has total of 143 previous convictions, Limerick court hears
Prosecution say accused is well known to gardai and security guards
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.
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.