Three-month sentence imposed on woman for 13th theft conviction

A WOMAN received a three-month sentence for shoplifting after Tullamore District Court heard it was her 13^th conviction for theft.

Anne Marie Joyce, a 48-year-old married mother of four, of Farnagh, Moate, admitted stealing tins of paint from Woodie's DIY, Cloncollig, Tullamore on May 30, 2020.

Ms Joyce, who was represented by Paul Noctor, BL, elected for trial in the District Court and entered a guilty plea before Judge Michael Connellan.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court that at 4pm on the date of the offence the accused entered Woodie's and stole €350 worth of property. The property was recovered.

She had a total of 44 previous convictions, 12 of which were for theft and the most recent conviction was a theft offence in 2023 at Longford District Court.

She had other previous convictions for road traffic offences, assault and public order and had previously received a suspended sentence.

Paul Noctor, BL, for Ms Joyce, said that in addition to having four children she was looking after her grandson who recently had a bone marrow transplant.

She had beenin Woodie's shopping for paint with her sister and her mother and she understood her sister was going to pay. She was stopped going out of the store and then the property was recovered.

Judge Connellan noted that it was the accused's 13^th conviction for theft and asked for clarification on what had happened in the store, in particular where Ms Joyce's sister was at the time.

Mr Noctor said her sister was at the checkout register.

Judge Connellan asked: “How did she expect her sister to pay at the checkout if she was outside the store with the product?”

He asked Mr Noctor if it he was correct in saying that when you're in a shop you check out and pay at the same time.

“You're fully correct,” replied Mr Noctor, adding that Ms Joyce's mother had given her the trolley and the accused went out with it.

Defence counsel added that the offence had occurred four years ago.

Sergeant Thornton said the most recent conviction for theft had been committed at Ballymahon Street in Lonford in May 2022.

Asking the court for leniency, Mr Noctor said Ms Joyce was prepared to give an undertaking that she would not come to the court's attention again.

Judge Connellan imposed the three-month prison sentence. Recognisances for an appeal were fixed at €200 cash.