Kildare woman who went on theft spree avoids jail
The woman paid back the money she stole
A WOMAN who stole over €2,300 from a Good Samaritan avoided jail on account of her paying restitution, but not a large fine of €1,000.
Karen Duffy (35) with addresses given as The Walled Garden, Celbridge and the McVerry Trust in Newbridge appeared in Athy District Court recently on 16 counts of theft between 4-6 April, 2024 across Kildare and South Dublin.
Sergeant Dave Harahan told the court that the injured party “gave Ms Duffy her bank card” at Cuan Mhuire rehab in Athy on 4 April and while the spree began in the Bank of Ireland in Emily Square in Athy, “most were in Dublin, Liffey Valley and Lucan”.
Sgt Hanrahan revealed the total was €2,344.20, and on her last reported appearance exactly 12 months ago, Ms Duffy promised to pay the restitution after she landed a job in a cafe.
“The card was given to her by the injured party to buy groceries,” said Sgt Hanrahan.
“They were friends, and they met inside for treatment,” explained her solicitor Tim Kennelly.
“They struck up a bond in rehab, this lady gave her her card to buy cigarettes, and she went and used the card on herself,” he added.
What’s that expression? A friend in need…,” mused Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“She has co-operated fully, but was going through gambling and addiction issues,” said Mr Kennelly.
“She was taking treatment for cancer, and got addicted to pain-killers,” he revealed.
“She has €2,500 in court to make recompense,” said Mr Kennelly.
“Get a receipt,” advised the judge.
“I think she has every chance to rehabilitate herself back into society,” said Mr Kennelly.
“Seeing her in prison would be a monumental mistake … she has lost a friend out of this.
“She has her partner in court, a reference from work, a roof over her head and is doing well.
“She had been down and out, and didn’t cope as well as other people.
“Section 1(i) [the Probation Act] might be a bit of a stretch, he admitted, although it was earlier revealed she had no prior convictions.
Ok,” said the judge as he fined her €1,000 on top of her restitution, giving her six months to pay, and put her on a peace bond for 12 months.
“We thought she was going to jail, so we’re very grateful to the court,” concluded Mr Kennelly.
