Stealing children's charity box was a ‘low blow’, judge tells Cork thief  

Stealing a charity box used to collect money for children in hospital was a low blow by a woman, a judge commented as she sentenced her to three months in prison.

Lisa Lenihan, aged 38, of 55 Courtown Drive, Knocknaheeny, was sentenced by Judge Catherine Ryan at Cork District Court.

The children’s charity box was one of three charity boxes stolen by Ms Lenihan from shop counters.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “Her main problem is Cork city, she is trying to get to the county to get away from temptation.”

Imposing consecutive sentences totalling three months, Judge Ryan said: “It is a low blow to be taking a charity box for a charity that helps children in hospital.”

Sergeant Aisling Murphy outlined the multiple offences to which the defendant pleaded guilty. 

On April 7, at Tesco Express in South Main St, she stole two charity boxes, one for a children’s charity. On April 15, she carried out several thefts. 

At Marks & Spencer, she cut the string of a collection box for Jigsaw charity which supports mental health services for young adults and children. She stole four bottles of alcohol at Tesco in Paul St, that cost a total of €77.

At H&M on Opera Lane, she stole a €300 Samsung phone from behind the counter and, on the same day, she stole €112 worth of clothes at Next on Opera Lane and stole a small quantity of items at Spar in Douglas.