Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman who stole scratch cards to comfort husband with dementia avoids jail
Summary
A woman who stole just over €4,000 worth of National Lottery scratch cards from her employer because they gave "comfort" to her husband, who was suffering with dementia, has been given a suspended sentence. Sandra McCann (57) of Newbury Drive, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17, pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard that the HR administrator of Daybreak Store noticed a safe room had been left unlocked, and CCTV footage showed McCann entering the room. Further investigations revealed a mismatch between the activation of scratch cards and their sale, with a total value of €4,330. McCann's solicitor explained that her husband was suffering from dementia at the time and she gave him the cards for comfort. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that McCann's actions were motivated by her husband's condition and imposed a one-year suspended sentence, requiring her to pay €1,000 to her former employer.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who stole scratch cards to comfort husband with dementia avoids jail. Charges or matters: theft on January 27, 2024, has no previous convictions. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 27, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-11-27 Publication
Why: A woman who stole just over €4,000 worth of National Lottery scratch cards from her employer because they gave "comfort" to her husband, who was suffering with dementia, has been given a suspended sentence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft on January 27, 2024, has no previous convictions (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said he didn't think she deserved a custodial sentence before he imposed a one-year term, which he suspended in full on condition that he pay €1,000 to her former employer.
Places mentioned
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