A 32-year-old Bantry woman, who has 32 previous convictions, was given a three-month sentence that was suspended for 12 months after she was convicted of stealing a bottle of vodka from a local shop.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy said the accused, Natasha Walsh (32), who resides in Apartment No 9 at Vickery’s Inn Complex in New Street, entered a shop at Chapel Street on June 27th last and selected some items.

On CCTV, the sergeant said the accused could be seen putting a bottle of Smirnoff, valued at €22, into her bag.

‘Some items were paid for at the till, but the alcohol wasn’t,’ he added. 

Gardaí identified the accused and, in an interview, she was both apologetic and co-operative.

Defence solicitor, Flor Murphy, handed a letter, written by the accused, to the judge.

In her defence, Mr Murphy  said his client has addiction issues and is getting plenty of help from the Probation Service.

‘This lady walked into a store and walked out without paying for goods,’ said Judge Carroll, who noted that 18 of the accused’s 32 previous convictions were for theft.

‘I have zero tolerance for it given her record,’ said the judge.

‘People can’t remove goods from shops without paying for them.’

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.