Sligo woman with 167 previous convictions assaulted shop staff member after he tried to stop her taking items
The Sligo ChampionA woman who assaulted a shop staff member who tried to stop her from removing items had her case adjourned for a victim impact statement.
Janice Brady (36) of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Sligo was charged with assaulting Thomas Pakenham, at Ballisodare on June 10, 2025.
The defendant appeared via video link and was therefore not affected by the ongoing withdrawal of services by solicitors because of proposed changes to the legal aid scheme.
Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that Garda Seamus McGowan received a report of a theft from Whiteside’s Supervalu in Ballisodare. Upon arrival, he spoke to the injured party, who told him that he stopped Brady attempting to remove items from the shop.
Mr Pakenham told Garda McGowan that the defendant started screaming at him and told the man she was with, to pull out a blade at him. He added that he feared for his life and that the man was restrained and a bottle he was holding fell. Brady then hit Mr Pakenham on his right arm.
The court heard that the defendant had 167 previous convictions.
Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (defending), told Judge Éiteáin Cunningham that her client pleaded guilty and that she was very remorseful for her actions. She added that Brady was doing a number of courses in custody such as a parenting course and that she was getting help for her issues.
Ms Spellman said that Brady was anxious to get the matter behind her.
Sgt Butler informed Judge Cunningham that the defendant was on bail when she committed the assault.
Judge Cunninghm said that the case would require a victim impact statement and adjourned it to July 16.
Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.