A Limerick woman with 41 previous convictions was ordered to stay away from Galway city and county after receiving a six-month suspended sentence for theft.
Catherine Atkinson (37 ) with an address at 32 Clarina Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was brought before Galway District Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to the theft of health care products, valued at €171.69, from Boots, Shop Street, on May 6, 2010.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that at 3pm the defendant entered Boots where she stole the products, but was arrested soon after and charged. However she failed to appear at a court sitting and a bench warrant was subsequently issued and executed. The court then heard that Atkinson has 41 previous convictions, mainly for public order offences; however three convictions were for theft.
Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor said that her client has had a lot of difficuties to deal with including her house being burnt down in a fire in May last year. Ms Traynor added that Atkison is trying very hard to deal with her problems.
After consideration Judge Mary Fahy imposed a six month prison sentence which was then suspended for 12 months on the condition that Atkinson enter into a bond of €500 to be of good behaviour and to stay away from Galway city and county during that period
