Laois Offaly judge jails woman for stealing building equipment
Judge says crime is a blight on the country
A woman who stole a number of builder's items appeared at last week's district court in Offaly.
On October 22, Emma McDonagh (22) of Arden View, Tullamore, stole property from Norbury Woods, Tullamore. The items stolen included a generator, taps, screw caps and hoses,worth €650, the property of Derek Heffernan. She was also charged with handling the stolen goods at the same address.
Ms McDonagh had no previous convictions and had not come to the notice of the gardai before this, the court heard.
Barrister David Nugent said that at the time of the offences, Ms McDonagh had been in what he termed as a ''strong relationship.'' He said the man in question had accompanied her and was present. He said the reason she was brought along was because she was the only one who could drive.
However, he said she accepted that she had played an integral role in the offence and accepted it was wrong. But was under pressure. He said she is no longer with this person and is now less led by people. She lives quite a distance from the town and has a new partner.
Mr Nugent said Ms McDonagh was due a baby soon and was being induced on April 18 and we wish her well, he said She had previously lost a baby, he told Judge Andrew Cody.
Judge Cody said the offence had been planned in advance. He said it was a serious offence and some people were roving around the country stealing and were a blight on the country.
He imposed a six month prison sentence which he suspended for two years.