‘I probably did it, I can’t remember’, says woman accused of stealing €876 worth of perfume

A CORK woman with 160 previous shoplifting convictions was asked about one of her latest crimes where €876 worth of perfume was stolen from a pharmacy and she told gardaí, “I probably did it, I can’t remember.”

35-year-old Margaret Deasy appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison. She pleaded guilty to this theft which she could not remember when first questioned, and to three other incidents of shoplifting carried out in Cork city.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total jail term of 10 months on Margaret Deasy of Cork Simon Community for her latest offences.

“I am noting the plea of guilty — it is the only mitigating factor,” Judge Dorgan said.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy outlined the background to Ms Deasy’s offences which she carried out in October 2023.

On October 16, she went to JD Sports on Patrick Street and stole €91 worth of property. She made no reply when questioned later that day.

On October 21, 2023, she stole €55 worth of items from Dunnes at Merchants Quay and was caught nearby at Mary Elmes Bridge. The stolen items were not recovered.

On October 29 she stole €876 worth of boxed fragrances from a pharmacy. When questioned two days later she replied, “I probably did it, I can’t remember.”

On October 30 she carried out a theft of €148 worth of goods from Penney’s on St Patrick’s Street.

When questioned about the matter the following day she replied, “I’m sorry.” 

Defence solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, said the accused had done the best she could in terms of rehabilitation within the prison system.

“Hopefully, she will come out more resolute to stay out of prison than when she went in,” Mr Cuddigan said.