Castlebar kleptomaniac given community service

Castlebar kleptomaniac given community service


A CASTLEBAR woman described by the Probation Services as a ‘kleptomaniac’ has been sent for assessment for community service and had some theft charges dismissed after appearing before Castlebar District Court last week.
Winnie Reilly (nee McDonagh) from 56, An SruthΡn, Turlough Road, Castlebar had sentencing pushed back from last July to September 1 in relation to the theft of a bottle of Jack Daniels and Crested Ten whiskey from Londis on Station Road, Castlebar on March 23 last. She also appeared before the court charged with stealing a Walnut Whip, a Kit Kat and two cans of Red Bull, but had those charges dismissed.
“I wouldn’t blame you for liking walnut whips,” said Judge Mary Devins. “I used to search Dublin for Walnut Whips. [You also stole] a Kit Kat and two cans of Red Bull,” she added.
Mrs Reilly’s solicitor, Cathy McDarby, stated that it was always alcohol or food that her client stole. The court heard Reilly had 35 previous convictions.
At a previous court Judge Devins had heard how Reilly had served a miniscule portion of previous sentences in jail, prompting her to note: ‘she goes in to get her hair and nails done and goes home’. Cathy McDarby described one of Reilly’s previous sentences as ‘beauty spa week’ after she was released early, only to steal six days later.
Ms McDarby told the court that sending Reilly to prison had ‘clearly’ served no benefit but that she had never done community service and that might serve as more of a deterrent.
Reilly was remanded on continuing bail until November 3 where the court will receive a community service assessment. If found suitable, she will be sentenced to 100 hours in lieu of three months in prison.