Cork woman with 42 previous convictions admits stealing from petrol station

A Cork woman with 42 previous convictions, 14 for theft, has pleaded guilty to stealing from a petrol station in Bandon, Co Cork.

Sergeant Eimear O’Connell told Bandon District Court that Sarah Waugh, aged 33, of Richmond Court, Bandon, went to Kevin O’Leary’s service station in Bandon on March 24, 2024, at 1pm. While there, Waugh picked up two charging leads from a sales display valued at €19.98 and left the premises without paying for them.

The court heard Waugh was later identified via CCTV footage and admitted the theft when it was put to her.

When asked by Judge Joanne Carroll if she had brought money to compensate the petrol station for their loss, Waugh said she had not, but could get the money next week.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said Waugh was recovering from a serious heroin addiction and was due to give birth in two weeks. 

The court was told Waugh was engaging with treatment.

Judge Carroll said Waugh would have to compensate the petrol station for their loss and admitted her to a probation bond for 12 months, on condition she attends all appointments and co-operates with the Probation Service.

• This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme