Staff member at Cork city shop kicked in the groin and spat at by a woman

A member of staff at a shop was kicked in the groin and spat at by a woman who was told that she was previously barred from the premises and now she has been sentenced to six months in jail for this and other crimes.

Anita Barrett, aged 33, with an address at Cork Simon Community pleaded guilty to several offences and was sentenced to a total of six months by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said that the accused woman actually carried out two assaults on the same person at different stages on the same day, November 22 2024.

Sgt Davis said the member of staff at Spar on MacCurtain Street told her she was not welcome in the store as a result of a previous incident.

She became verbally abusive and kicked the man in the groin.

She stole four cans of alcohol and concealed them in a bag and this was captured on CCTV.

She returned within an hour on the same day and as she was leaving she spat at the same member of staff, the spit landing on his left shoulder.

On December 27 2024 at Patrick Street she began screaming at gardaí during a public order incident in front of a large crowd.

She pleaded guilty to being drunk and a danger and being threatening.

She was cursing and shouting that she did not want to go back to jail.

On January 2 this year at Paul Street she was heard roaring multiple times, “F***ing rats”.

As she was being brought to Bridewell garda station she repeated this.

The following day at Tesco Express at Dennehy’s Cross, she got involved in an altercation with a security man, pushed him and then spat at him. CCTV showed the incident.

There were other shoplifting incidents at Centra on North Main Street.

Sgt Davis said she had 39 previous convictions including nine thefts and one attempted robbery.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said: “The first thing this lady has asked me to say is that she does appreciate the nature of the offending and she is embarrassed and ashamed and expresses remorse for her actions.”

He added that she wanted to plead guilty to everything and effectively “clear the decks”.