Tracking device was used to trace stolen flower baskets to woman's home, court hears

Olivia Kelleher

A woman is accused of being in possession of stolen hanging flower baskets after a community group allegedly traced them back to her home via a tracking device.

Cork District Court previously heard an outline of evidence in the case facing Mary O’Driscoll from Sgt Pat Lyons.

In January this year, Sgt Lyons told Judge Mary Dorgan that between May 29th and May 31st, 2023, six hanging baskets and flowers, with a value of €180, were stolen from Inch, Killeagh, Co Cork.

“Because something similar happened the year before, members of the local community who put up the baskets put an Apple tracker into one of the baskets. The tracker gave its location as Ms O’Driscoll’s address.”

Sgt Lyons said that gardaí obtained a warrant to search the home of Ms O’Driscoll and found the baskets and the tracking device on site.

Ms O'Driscoll (45), of Brookhill, Ballea Road, Carrigaline in Co Cork, is being prosecuted for being in possession of the baskets, knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen.

Judge Dorgan previously accepted jurisdiction to deal with the matter at district court level.

On Monday at Cork District Court, the case was put back until May 21st next. A date for trial will be set on that occasion.

Ms O’Driscoll is being represented by solicitor Shane Collins Daly, who previously applied for a copy of the prosecution statements to be sent to the defence.