More jail time for Louth woman who robbed wallet and hearing aid from partially deaf man

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 33-year-old woman who failed to abide by the conditions of a suspended sentence has appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court.

Shanice Mulready, Oldbridge, Toberona, Dundalk, in January 2024 was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to the robbery of a partially deaf man’s hearing aid and wallet at the Long Walk, Dundalk on March 3, 2023.

Judge Dara Hayes imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final 21 months suspended on her entering a good behaviour bond, and on condition that Ms Mulready engaged with the Probation Service for 12 months post release.

The sentence was backdated to July 8, 2023.

She appeared back before Judge Hayes in custody having received two six-month prison terms in the district court last December.

Regarding the circuit court matter, the judge said he had heard evidence from a probation officer of, at best, “sporadic engagement, substantially below what was required”.

Judge Hayes continued that he had suspended a considerable portion of the sentence, but there had been a failure by Ms Mulready to attend 8 appointments, engage with addictions services, provide an address and be of good behaviour.

She was advised by her probation officer on October 22 last that if she did not attend an appointment 2 days later a Section 99 Re-entry application would be made. Ms Mulready did not turn up.

Given that she was effectively serving 12 months imposed by the district court, Judge Hayes said that he would activate 3 months of the 21 months, consecutive to the term being served.

He re-suspended the balance of 18 months on the conclusion of the sentence.

Shanice Mulready must place herself under Probation Service supervision for 12 months post-release, attend all appointments, addiction treatment and aftercare support as directed, and reside at an agreed address.