Grandmother jailed for eight months for thefts at Carlow court
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A 68-YEAR-old woman has been sentenced to eight months in prison for a series of theft offences totalling €2,000 worth of sports and leisure clothing.
Adriana Costea, Flat 1, Oscar’s Dry Cleaners, Upper Staplestown Road appeared before Carlow District Court via video link, with the assistance of an interpreter, where she was sentenced by Judge Geraldine Carthy. The sentence is to be served consecutive to a seven-month sentence she received at Naas District Court on 2 July for theft.
Ms Costea pleaded guilty to five charges of theft at various locations, including three offences that occurred on the same day, 16 July, last year. She stole €316 worth of goods from Elverys in Athlone, €755 worth of items from Sports Direct in Mullingar and €400 worth of goods from Lifestyle Sports in Portlaoise. She also stole €720 worth of items from Sports Direct in Killarney, Co Kerry on 13 May last year and €8.75 worth of groceries from Centra, Potato Market, Carlow on 24 April of this year.
The court heard that none of the stolen items were recovered by any of the shops.
Defence solicitor Mr Farrell, who had received his client’s probation report, asked the court to proceed with sentencing. He told the court that his client had “had an opportunity to reflect” and described her as “a family lady” with children and grandchildren living locally. He emphasised there was “no question she’ll relocate” and requested credit for her guilty plea, which he described as “a plea of value” as it was entered well in advance of the hearing date.
While asking for “some level of mercy”, Mr Farrell acknowledged that the court was familiar with Ms Costea.
Judge Carthy noted that she had encountered Ms Costea “on a couple of occasions” and outlined that the defendant currently has 46 previous convictions, adding: “I appreciate there’s more now, given what was heard in Naas District Court.
“Unfortunately, this is quite serious and given the recidivistic nature – actually seven thefts but two were struck out, says the garda – I have to consider whether this reaches the threshold for custody or if an alternative remedy is appropriate,” Judge Carthy said.
On reflection, the judge concluded that given the seriousness of the case, an alternative remedy was not appropriate. Ms Costea was convicted and sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, to be served consecutive to her current sentence.
Mr Farrell requested fixed recognisance, which Judge Carthy agreed to, setting a €500 cash bond and €200 own bond with an agreement not to reoffend.
The court had previously heard on 11 June that Ms Costea has been in custody since April and that her solicitor had described her behaviour as “brazen” with a clear pattern of “recidivism”.
