Restaurant in Cork city centre burgled when door was open for deliveries

Scoozi’s restaurant in Cork city was burgled just before 7am when a door was open for food deliveries, a court has heard.

Today at Cork District Court, the 46-year-old woman who carried out the crime was jailed for seven months. Margaret Foley, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the crime, and Judge Mary Dorgan imposed the jail term.

A sentence of seven months was imposed for the burglary. Several concurrent six-month sentences were also imposed on her for shoplifting counts to which she also pleaded guilty.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the burglary at the restaurant on Winthrop St, Cork, was carried out at 6.55am on November 1, 2024.

“The doorway was open for goods deliveries, and Margaret Foley entered and went to a staff area where she stole cash, bank cards, and cigarettes belonging to employees at the restaurant,” said Sgt Kelleher. “The stolen property was not recovered.”

Between that time last November and August of this year, the same woman carried out shoplifting offences at premises including Spar on Patrick Street, Elverys Sports on Oliver Plunkett St, Dunnes Stores at Merchants Quay, North Face on Patrick Street, Centra on Oliver Plunkett St, and Boots pharmacy on Patrick Street.

Sgt Kelleher said the woman had 157 previous convictions, including 61 for theft and four for burglary.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said: “I appreciate she has a long litany of charges before the court. But she lifted a certain burden from the State’s shoulders by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and not occupying another court date.

“She has lived a horrendous life. On some days, one wonders how she is still with us, but thankfully she is. I would ask that you direct the prison service to give her whatever assistance they can.”

Judge Mary Dorgan said she knew from previous dealings with the accused that she had a very difficult background.

The defendant spoke up in Cork District Court by video link from prison: “I do need the help at the moment. I want to get this over and done with, and get out and get treatment.”

Imposing the overall sentence of seven months, the judge expressed hope she would get help in prison. The defendant said in that regard: “There are so many in prison, there is only so much they [the prison service] can do.”