A woman who stole a hedge trimmer from an unoccupied home and unlocked shed received a three-month suspended sentence for the offence at Bantry District Court.

The accused, Caroline O’Donovan (28) of Kealties, Durrus, Bantry, was legally represented by Flor Murphy, solicitor, who said she is now living in Ahakista.

Sgt Trish O’Sullivan outlined the facts of the case to Judge Joanne Carroll saying that between October 6th and October 8th 2024, at Derrinkealig, Bantry, the accused entered a property and took the trimmer from the shed.

The sergeant said gardaí interviewed Caroline O’Donovan and she admitted the offence straight away and handed the garden tool back.

Sgt O’Sullivan said the accused has 19 previous convictions, 14 of which are for public order offences.

In mitigation, Flor Murphy told Judge Carroll: ‘This will be your first time dealing with Caroline.’

He explained that his client has alcohol and drug addiction issues and as a mother of one had been clear of these addictions for a long period of time.

‘When she breaks out, as she did on this occasion, she causes havoc,’ said the solicitor, who also pointed out that the theft was of no practical or monetary benefit to his client because she does not have a garden.

Mr Murphy pointed out that his client has good family support and is once again drug and alcohol free, and is attending her meetings.

The solicitor informed the court that his client has no connection with the injured party.  The court also heard that no one had been living in the property for some time.

On this occasion, the solicitor said his client was ‘in the throes of one of those episodes’ and he intimated that a person, who had been in her company, suggested she take the trimmer.

Judge Carroll said there was ‘no question’ of a probation order being applied on this occasion and she imposed a three-month sentence that was suspended for 18-months.

Judge Carroll said the accused is going to have to learn that she cannot commit offences like these.

‘I am not unsympathetic, but she is going to have to change: she cannot allow herself to be used to commit criminal offences and blame it on addiction,’ said Judge Carroll.

‘If she allows herself to be used to take property she will end up in prison.’

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.