Theft conviction for woman who reoffended after ‘relapse’

June 25, 2020

A WOMAN with an address in Northern Ireland has pleaded guilty to theft from a shop in Donegal.

Rachel Lynch (37), who resides in Newtownhamilton, appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged in connection with theft from Mace Top Oil, Stranorlar on August 10, 2018.

Lynch was charged with the theft of €10 of diesel and €25 worth of car maintenance products.

“Ms Lynch and an accomplice went into the shop, the male grabbed items, sealed them under a hooded top before Ms Lynch placed them into a handbag,” Sergeant Jim Collins told the court.

Lynch presented a card to pay for the diesel, but it had insufficient funds. Lynch showed staff a medical card by way of signalling an intention to pay, but she afield to return and the goods were not recovered.

Lynch, who completed a probation course following a previous offence, represented her self in court.

“I have a taxi outside and the meter is standing at €180, so I want it dealt with,” she told Judge Paul Kelly.

“I am pleading guilty as I don’t want to come back here.

“I reoffended after a relapse. I had a relapse after I lost a baby. I have a family and I need to come out to the south. I got married last year and I’m clean now. I’m living out in the country and I spent time with my four horses.”

Judge Kelly said Lynch had been given the benefit of the probation act for four similar offended and had reoffended. He convicted Lynch and imposed a €150 fine.


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