Woman gets suspended sentence for Tullamore 'shopping spree'

A woman was given a suspended sentence for going on a “shopping spree” during last week's sitting of Tullamore Court.

Martina McDonagh, 95 Springfield Court, Castlebar was charged with committing three offences in Tullamore on October 30, 2022.

Two of them occurred at Fingerboard, Charleville Road, Tullamore when “not at your place of residence you had in your possession an article to wit tin foil lined shopping bag, with Magnassum wire cutter, black wire cutter and flat head screw driver, with the intention that it be used in the course of or in connection with theft;” and handled stolen property, Sports clothing valued at €500, “knowing that the property was stolen or were reckless as to whether it was stolen.”

On the same date she was charged with stealing various items, amounting to €250, the property of Dealz, Cloncollig Industrial Estate, Tullamore.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told the Judge that Ms McDonagh had 35 previous convictions, including 15 convictions for theft.

“You travelled to Tullamore from Mayo to engage in this shopping spree,” said Judge Cody. “If it happens again then my sentence will be more severe.”

Barrister at Law David Nugent told the Judge that his client was remorseful and had gone through a big amount of stress because of the case.

Judge Cody convicted and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspending the sentence for three years.