A WOMAN with 14 previous theft convictions stole mobile phone charging leads from a Bandon garage, a court heard.

Sarah Waugh of 42 Richmond Court, Bandon pleaded guilty to the theft charge at Bandon District Court.

Sgt Eimear O’Connell told Judge Joanne Carroll that at 1pm on March 24th 2024 the accused left Kevin O’Leary’s petrol station without paying for two mobile phone charging leads valued at €19.98.

CCTV footage was downloaded and gardaí identified the accused who later admitted the theft. No property was recovered, the court heard.

Ms Waugh has 42 previous convictions including 14 for theft.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said his client did not have money ‘today’ to which Judge Joanne Carroll replied there is no ‘next day’.

Mr Taaffe said his client, who is expecting a baby in coming weeks, is recovering from a serious heroin addiction and had been in a residential centre.

Ms Waugh told the judge that her dad passed away around the time of the incident.

Judge Carroll admitted her to a probation bond for 12 months and directed her to co-operate with the Probation Services, and produce a postal order of €20 made payable to Kevin O’Leary’s garage.

She also directed her to engage with drug addiction and mental health services.