Cork woman just released from prison given more jail time following vodka theft

A 40-year-old woman with a horrific list of previous convictions for shoplifting was just released from prison when she carried out another theft of vodka on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday Jennifer Rogers of Cork Simon Community, was sent back to prison to commence a new sentence of four months.

In one offence – to which she pleaded guilty yesterday - she punched a security officer in the face when she was carrying out a theft.

Eddie Burke solicitor said: 

“A very very sad situation. She is crucified with alcoholism. Mental health issues came into play also.

“Originally from Crosshaven, in 2022/2023 she went to Coolmine and got clean and sober but her former partner fell down a stairs and died and she could not cope with this.” 

Judge Philip O’Leary said: “She has a horrific record in terms of offending. I have a huge amount of sympathy for her because of her addictions but that does not keep the people of Cork safe and now there is a member of security staff being assaulted.” 

The defendant said to Judge O’Leary in relation to her arrest on Sunday, April 13: “I drank one day. I know I can get myself back on my feet.” 

Judge O’Leary said: “I will impose a short sentence. A custodial sentence cannot be avoided. You need to come out and rehabilitate yourself.” 

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said that at 2.30pm at Tesco, Paul Street, on April 13, Jennifer Rogers stole the vodka and was arrested in an intoxicated condition.

Earlier on March 6 – predating her last period in custody - she assaulted a security guard at Dunnes Stores in Ballincollig and stole three bottles of vodka and two packs of Red Bull, and again she was intoxicated.

Arrested on Sunday and charged with counts arising out of both incidents, she pleaded guilty to all charges yesterday.

109 of her 165 previous convictions are for theft and 31 of them are for being so intoxicated that she was a danger to herself or others, Sergeant Murphy said.