'Impecunious' pickpocket who flew into Dublin to target tourists is jailed

Tom Tuite

A Bulgarian woman who "preyed" on an elderly tourist and a student and was caught pickpocketing within days of flying into Dublin has been jailed for four months.

Mladena Vasileva (42) pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court on Friday to attempted theft on the Liffey Boardwalk, Dublin 1, and an additional charge of possessing a map for use as an article to assist in thefts. The court heard the offences occurred on Thursday, June 25th.

When charged by gardaí, the mother of two replied: "I am very sorry for what I did."

Garda Donal Cafferky gave evidence of observing Vasileva and her 19-year-old co-defendant, Vanessa Stancheva, whose case will be finalised next week when she has a flight booked to leave the country.

The court heard that the pair, who have no stated addresses in Ireland, followed a Spanish woman and a student and tried to steal from their shoulder bags before being apprehended.

Vasileva had three prior convictions in Ireland for theft in 2024. Both had faced strenuous bail objections from gardaí because they lacked ties to the country.

The woman, who claimed to have been staying in Galway, indicated she wanted to return to Bulgaria.

In response to defence assertions that the woman was impecunious, Judge Michele Finan remarked that the accused had nevertheless managed to fly into the country to commit offences.

Judge Finan noted that her actions in targeting the student and the tourist interfered with their enjoyment of the city.

Finalising Vasileva's case, Judge Finan imposed a nine-month sentence with the final five months suspended on condition that Vasileva stay out of the Dublin 1 area for two years.

Appeal bail was set at €500 in her case.

Judge Finan noted that teenager Stancheva was a friend of Vasileva, but she had no prior convictions and claimed she came to Ireland seeking work. Now, she wished to leave.

The 19-year-old, who also pleaded guilty to attempted theft and using a phone as an implement during the incidents, was remanded in custody to appear again next week.

Judge Finan indicated she will impose a six-month sentence but suspend it on the condition that she stays out of Dublin for two years and presents a flight booking out of the country shortly after her next appearance. The young woman agreed to the terms.