A mother of four who used a car in the process of a theft avoided being disqualified from driving but was ordered to stay out of Galway city for a year when her case came before Galway District Court.
Cathriona McDonagh, who resides in homeless accommodation in Co Offaly, was charged with the theft of groceries to the value of €50 from Monaghan’s on the Tuam Road on July 3, 2024.
Judge Valerie Corcoran heard evidence that McDonagh entered the shop, took the goods, left without paying for them and fled the scene in a vehicle. The property was not recovered but the defendant had €50 in Court to offer as compensation. She had 24 previous convictions, including four for theft.
Olivia Traynor solicitor (defending ) pleaded to the Judge not to deprive her client of her licence as she needed it to carry out her domestic duties. She argued that a suspended sentence, in this case, would be a sword over her client’s head.
Judge Corcoran pointed out that the defendant had used a vehicle in the course of an offence and, as such, she could be disqualified from driving. However, she wouldn’t do this on this occasion and neither would she impose a custodial sentence.
Instead she imposed a two-month suspended sentence, on condition that she be of good behavior for a year and stay out of Galway city.
