A woman who was on bail when she carried out a string of offences over a 20-month period, including theft, fraud and criminal damage, has been jailed for two years, the maximum sentence that can be imposed by the District Court when dealing with multiple charges at the same time.
Rachael Kearney (42), with an address at Saggart Court Lodge, Saggart, Dublin 24, appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara at Tallaght District Court on Friday. She pleaded guilty to a raft of offences committed between July 2023 and March 2025, including shoplifting, dangerous driving and setting fire to cardboard at a business premises.
Kearney, whom the court heard has a long-standing drug addiction, committed many of the offences while on bail for other matters and while serving a partly suspended sentence.
Among the thefts were incidents at Aldi, Tesco, Boots, Dunnes Stores, JD Sports and Lifestyle Sports. Kearney also admitted to unauthorised use of a vehicle and damage by fire.
Her barrister, Ciara Ní Ghabhann BL, said her client now appears in better condition than in previous court appearances and has been engaging with treatment services. Kearney has been in custody since March 28.
Judge McNamara imposed multiple sentences totalling 24 months, including some consecutive terms. While individual District Court sentences can be up to 12 months, the combined maximum the court can impose in a single case is two years. Kearney also received a two-year driving ban.
Kearney is due to appear again at Arklow District Court on May 14 under a Section 99 warrant, where a partially suspended 10-month sentence may be activated. Although she indicated she does not intend to appeal her sentence, recognisance was fixed in case she changes her mind.