'These are not victimless crimes': Woman stole from three shops in a day

A 39-year-old woman who stole goods from three shops in one day was given a “get-out-of-jail free card”, but was warned by the sentencing judge that she would be sent to prison if she did not co-operate with the probation service.

Judge Mary Dorgan said Norma O’Driscoll, of 22 Closes Road, Farranree, Cork, would know what a “get-out-of-jail-free card” is if she was familiar with the game of Monopoly.

However, she said to the accused: 

“These are not victimless crimes.”

Sergeant Pat Lyons said that she was caught on October 3, 2023, having stolen goods from three shops in Wilton shopping centre — Tesco, Eason, and Homefront— on that day. The value of the stolen property was €200 and all of it was returned to the various stores.

Judge Dorgan put the accused on a nine-month probation bond, after the 39-year-old pleaded guilty to carrying out the three thefts of goods from the shops.

Sgt Lyons said the woman had 47 previous convictions and that seven of them were for theft.

Emphasising the importance of co-operation by the accused, Judge Dorgan put her on the probation bond, saying: 

“These are not victimless crimes. It is a difficulty for shops.

“It is really important you engage with the probation service. This is a kind of get-out-of-jail free card. If you play Monopoly, you will know what that is.”