'She was arrested anyway': Limerick woman imprisoned for gardaí a false name
Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill, stated in garda evidence that Susan McCarthy, 32, with an address at Astor Court, Keyes Park, Limerick, was approached by gardaí on patrol at Sean Heuston Street, Limerick city, on March 30, 2025.
Sgt O’Neill told the court Sean Heuston Street is “a place known for the sale of supply of drugs”. The court heard that Susan McCarthy told gardaí that her name was Rebecca. Sgt O’Neill told the court Ms McCarthy was then taken to the garda station, and her real name was uncovered.
Ms McCarthy was also charged with the theft of goods with a value of €130.11 from Aldi on Childers Road, Limerick on February 12, 2025.
The court heard gardaí were alerted to the theft by the store detective. Sgt O’Neill said Ms McCarthy made full admissions to gardaí, and was apologetic for the theft.
Sgt O’Neill detailed that Ms McCarthy’s previous convictions include two section three assaults, a violent disorder conviction, one instance of criminal damage, one count of producing an article over the course of a dispute, one for the possession of a knife, a theft, and public order offences.
Barrister Joseph McMahon, representing Ms McCarthy, said his client was in “a bad place at the time”.
“She did more harm than good giving a false name, but she was arrested anyway,” Mr McMahon said. “She does apologise.”
Judge Patricia Harney convicted and sentenced Ms McCarthy to six weeks’ imprisonment for the theft. For giving a false name, Judge Harney convicted and sentenced Ms McCarthy to four weeks’ imprisonment. The judge backdated the sentence to June 18, 2026, when Ms McCarthy was first taken into custody.
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