Woman accused of theft from shops in the Midlands refused bail

A judge said he had to protect businesses from crime as he denied bail to a woman accused of committing a crime a day after getting bail.

Theresa Conroy (36) 7 Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise is accused of stealing groceries valued at €61.50 from Flanagan’s Foodstore in Knockmay, Portlaoise on July 19, stealing cleaning products valued at €74 from Dealz, Laois Shopping Centre on July 22 and stealing groceries valued at €44.13 from Esker Hills shop on April 19, 2024. 

Garda Michael Kilheeney objected to a bail application and said the defendant had serious addiction issues with heroin and cannabis. He said he believed she was funding her addiction through crime. 

“If given bail I have no doubt that Ms Conroy will carry out further offences,” he said. 

He told the court there were no bail conditions which could allay his concerns. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted she had been granted bail a week previously and allegedly offended the following day. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client enjoyed the presumption of innocence. She said the woman is living locally and had been complying with her signing on bail conditions. She described the alleged offending while on bail as the “elephant in the room” but said there was no indication of violence or burglary. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was engaged in a methadone programme.

Judge Andrew Cody said the woman enjoyed the presumption of innocence but the court “has to protect the public from crimes”.

 “She has no regard for bail conditions of any kind,” said Judge Cody.  

He remanded her in custody to appear via video link at Tullamore District Court on August 1.