'They are prepared to give you a chance': Probation for Cork woman caught shoplifting 77 times

A WOMAN caught shoplifting 77 times has been described by the Probation Service as a medium risk of reoffending. The most recent incident occurred last month.

Judge Mary Dorgan referred to the report when sentencing Julianne O’Farrell for her latest crimes and said: “Hopefully, with counselling you may be able to put this offending behind you. You have an interest in integrating positively with the community and you need to link in with bereavement counselling.

“What they [Probation Service] are saying is that despite all your offending and all your difficulties, they are prepared to give you a chance in the community.”

Judge Dorgan said she would put the accused on a probation bond for 18 months on her latest four counts of stealing from shops.

When the judge adjourned the case last month for a probation report, she said of O’Farrell’s offending: “This has to stop.”

Yesterday at the sentencing hearing, defence solicitor Shane Collins Daly said the 32-year-old understood that her offending could not continue.

Judge Dorgan said, in placing the accused on a probation bond, that there were three things in particular that the woman needed in her life: to get away from negative peers, have structure in her day, and get counselling.

Julianne O’Farrell of Marble Hall Park, Douglas, Cork, pleaded guilty to carrying out thefts at Diesel on Oliver Plunkett St, Dunnes on Merchants Quay, at Boots at Douglas (all in October/November this year), and on May 18, 2021, at Phelan’s pharmacy.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the accused had a total of 232 previous convictions, including 73 for theft, before the four latest offences.

The judge said when she previously adjourned sentencing: “What we are trying to do is help you. What we want you to do is stop the offending and get whatever help you need to stop the offending. I am anxious that some good will come out of this. Probation might be able to forward you to an organisation that can help you with your difficulties.”