Woman (67) fined over theft of items valued at €125 from Mayo pharmacy

A 67-year-old Ballina woman with a long history of theft offences has been fined €150 after appearing before Castlebar District Court.

Margaret Horne, of 15 St. Muredach’s Terrace, Ballina, was warned by Judge Vincent Deane that she will struggle to get any medical procedure if she ends up in prison for shoplifting offences.

Court presenter Sergeant Conor McShane outlined that the case related to the theft of items valued at €125 from Arran Health Pharmacy at Claremorris Tesco Shopping Centre.

The court heard the property stolen consisted of decorations and jewellery, all of which were recovered.

Sergeant McShane said the accused has approximately 70 previous convictions for theft, as well as for failing to appear.

Defence solicitor Mr. Gary Mulchrone told the court that Horne is originally from Scotland.

Mr. Mulchrone said his client has a diagnosis of kleptomania and was fully cooperative at the scene and with gardaí. He added that she is in receipt of a pension of €230 per week.

He noted that her last offence dated back to 2021 and that she had enjoyed a period of abstinence since then.

The court also heard that Horne is due to undergo surgery in March.

Judge Deane warned the accused to stay out of trouble, stating: “You won’t get surgery in prison.”

Judge Deane imposed a fine of €150.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.