Woman told by Cork judge that her addiction is 'paying for lifestyle of dealers in sunnier climes'

A young woman jailed for shoplifting to pay for her drug addiction was told by a district judge that her addiction was paying for the lifestyle of dealers in “sunnier climes” who would not be there to stand by the young woman’s graveside if she did not manage to get past her addiction.

Judge Miriam Walsh gave that advice to Olivia Costin, aged 20, who apologised to the stores from which she stole — Elverys, JD Sports, and Marks & Spencer — in order to pay for her drug addiction.

Defence solicitor Killian McCarthy said the young woman regresses to her addiction when she cannot cope with life’s challenges but, he added: “This is not the life she wants to live and is now taking the first step in getting away from this offending behaviour.”

Judge Walsh imposed a one-month prison sentence on the young woman and told her that if she continued with drug addiction she could be looking to a pretty short lifespan.

“Buying drugs facilitated the lives of people in sunny climes. They are enjoying the proceeds of this insidious and vile trade and they will not be there to stand over your coffin,” the judge said.

Ms Costin said, by video link from prison: “I am willing to change.”

The judge told her it was in her own hands.

Solicitor Killian McCarthy said: 

“She is a 20-year-old woman and she has had a very difficult life. She is using homeless services and emergency accommodation (for the past two years).

“She has a bad history relating to substance misuse.

“More recently she has been engaging with Arbor House and reducing her methadone intake as the weeks go on.

“She is someone who is just trying to do her best in the circumstances in the circumstances in which she finds herself.”

Ms Costin told arresting gardaí her addictions were to crack cocaine and heroin.