A “serial offender” with 109 previous convictions managed to avoid further jail time in the District Court this week (September 14 ) after she impressed the judge with her efforts at rehabilitation and offer of compensation.
Maitland O’Neill (24 ) from Meadowbrook, Willow Park, Athlone, who featured in a Sunday World exposé last year after a bag-snatching spree in Temple Bar in Dublin, appeared in court on temporary release from a jail sentence imposed in March to plead guilty to the theft of two DVD players from Tesco worth €225 on February 11.
Her solicitor Mark Cooney sought an adjournment to get full instructions because “my client is a bit agitated”.
“I’m suggesting a lengthy custodial sentence. This is a serial offender,” said Judge Seamus Hughes.
Mr Cooney pointed out that O’Neill was on temporary release from jail after serving three and a half months of nine handed down in March.
“I’m getting married in February. I’m doing very well for myself, and I’ll come in with the €225,” said O’Neill.
“You do know I hand out heavy sentences?” enquired Judge Hughes.
“I know. I got one from you. I have 109 previous because I was on heroin, but I’ve moved into a new house” pointed out the defendant.
“On no account are you to furnish your new house with stolen goods,” warned the judge.
“I’ll pay Mark Cooney €50 a week,” O’Neill offered.
“She impresses me in this way,” said Judge Hughes, who told her she would not get a further prison sentence if she returned to court on November 23 with the full €225 compensation.
