Free legal aid was approved to both defendants.

The unemployed father of two from Harpurs Lane, Portlaoise, who had no previous convictions, said he was sincerely sorry for his victim and Mr Kinch’s family.

Margaret Bergin, 73, a married mother of three of Fairfield House, Mountrath, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of theft and five sample counts of larceny

Jamie Kearns (20), from Cosby Avenue, Portlaoise, Co Laois, pleaded guilty at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Jones from Parker, Colorado on October 7th 2022.