Louth woman ‘causing havoc’ in local shops jailed for eight months

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A mother of four who pleaded guilty to theft charges has been jailed for eight months when brought in custody before Drogheda Court.

Rachel Ryan (27), Platin Road, Drogheda, has 93 previous convictions, and just a week before this latest appearance received a three-month suspended sentence.

Judge Nicola Andrews said that the defendant has been “causing havoc” in local businesses as she imposed consecutive four-month prison terms.

A garda gave evidence that on November 9 last at Circle K, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Ms Ryan didn’t pay €9.50 for two cans of vodka cocktails.

She was apprehended by shop staff and held until gardaí arrived. She drank the cans in front of the manager and became irate.

The defendant was arrested at 1.40pm and subsequently charged. The officer said that she made no reply after caution.

It transpired that a bench warrant was in existence in respect of a €109 groceries theft at Aldi, Slane Road, on November 5 last.

The court also heard that gardaí responded to a disturbance at Tesco, West Street, on October 26 last.

Ms Ryan was highly aggressive and abusive. She wouldn’t hand over a bottle of spirits she had concealed on her.

While being placed in a Garda patrol car, she smashed a bottle of Captain Morgan on the ground at the feet of one of the officers.

There were 93 previous convictions, including 58 for theft.

Solicitor Dermot Monahan said that his client had a “terrible addiction”.

Judge Andrews remarked that at the heart of this offending was an uncontrolled addiction to substances.

"She is causing havoc on local businesses.”

Four-month sentences were imposed for the Aldi and Circle K thefts to run consecutively.

Other charges were taken into consideration.

The judge wished Ms Ryan well, and hoped she got the assistance she needed in custody.