Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman stole €14k from employer after becoming addicted to codeine

Summary

Linda Mitchell, 54, worked at Ballyfermot Pharmacy from 2011 until her thefts were discovered in early 2020. Between August 2019 and February 2020 she stole about €14,000 by manipulating tills and voiding sales while taking 24 Nurofen Plus tablets a day, indicating a codeine addiction. The pharmacy owner, Mr. Tadgh Dillane, suspected irregularities, installed CCTV, and hired Tonic Consultancy to investigate. Mitchell pleaded guilty and repaid €7,500, with an additional €6,500 to be paid within a week. The court, noting her remorse and lack of prior convictions, imposed a two‑year suspended sentence, ordering her to remain of good behaviour and to hand over the remaining restitution. She has no previous convictions, is now employed again, and has two adult children. The case highlighted the breach of trust and significant financial loss.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman stole €14k from employer after becoming addicted to codeine. Charges or matters: stealing approximately €14,000 from Ballyfermot Pharmacy between August 2019 and February 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas 2019 Incident
• 2023-02-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report