Community service for woman who kneed security guard in groin during Cork city theft

A 42-year-old woman kneed a security guard in the groin at a supermarket as she attempted to steal a bag of groceries and then threw the stolen goods at his head, Cork District Court has heard.

Kelly O’Brien, of 27 Glencree Crescent, Mayfield, has been ordered to do 175 hours of community service to avoid a four-month prison term for the assault.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she also wanted O’Brien to write a letter of apology to the victim of the assault, which the judge described as “unedifying, to say the least”.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: “On Friday, September 13, 2024, she entered Lidl on Cornmarket St with another woman and took €48 worth of groceries in a bag, passing all points of payment.

“They were stopped by a security guard, as no payment had been offered. He requested the return of items and told them to leave the store.

“She refused to give back the groceries. Ms O’Brien attempted to pull the bag away from the member of staff. She proceeded to knee the security guard into his groin and pull him to the floor. Ms O’Brien also threw groceries at the security guard’s head.

“She was still at the scene when gardaí arrived. She denied all allegations at the time, but has pleaded guilty now.”

She pleaded guilty to assault and theft arising out of this incident.

Stealing

She also admitted stealing €6 worth of property from Murray’s Supervalu on Old Youghal Road, Cork, on March 4, 2024.

Judge Dorgan said the accused was to follow all directions of the Probation Service.

Sgt Davis said the stolen groceries were recovered at the scene, but were not in a saleable condition. The judge directed her to repay the store for the amount involved.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the accused would repay Lidl and Supervalu for the stolen property.