A 45-year-old woman who went on a two-year shop-lifting spree across Dublin is due to be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to a number of theft and deception offences.
Linda Byrne, of Tymon North Gardens, Tallaght, Dublin 24 appeared before Tallaght District Court on Tuesday in connection with multiple incidents dating from December 2022 to October 2024.
The court heard that she stole items including cosmetics, clothing, and toiletries, with the value of goods ranging from €60 to €270 in each case. The thefts took place at locations including Penneys on O’Connell Street, Arnotts, Citywest Shopping Centre and a Spar outlet in the Village Green, Tallaght.
In one incident, Byrne was stopped after taking two suitcases worth €90 from Penneys, while another involved €150 worth of cosmetics. All items were recovered in saleable condition.
The most recent offence occurred on 10 October 2024, when Gardaí were called to Spar and Ms Byrne became abusive and aggressive when approached by staff. She was arrested at the scene and charged with theft and deception under Section 4(3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. An active bench warrant was also executed during her court appearance later that day.
She is also facing charges for public order offences, including threatening or abusive behaviour and failing to appear in court.
Ms Byrne was represented earlier in the day by solicitor Pádraig O’Donovan, and later by barrister Ethan Foley BL, who told the court that his client had developed a drug addiction at the age of 13. Counsel said that the offences were committed to fund her addiction and manage related debts.
He told the court that Byrne is now engaging with methadone treatment and is on a rehabilitation waiting list.
“She’s trying to turn over a new leaf,” Mr Foley said, adding that her cooperation with gardaí and early guilty pleas had saved the court significant time.
Judge Catherine Ghent said the offences were not minor when taken together and that the total value of goods involved was significant.
She acknowledged Byrne’s efforts but said the volume of charges and her previous history made it inappropriate to proceed with sentencing at this stage.
“Given the extent of the offending and the history before the court, I am directing a further probation report,” Judge Ghent said.
The matter was adjourned until 3 June for a final report and sentencing.