Woman (79) stole lamps from Laois grave
The theft happened at Oakvale Cemetery in Stradbally. File image for illustration purposes
A 79-YEAR-OLD woman was given the benefit of the Probation Act when she appeared before Portlaoise District Court, summoned for stealing two graveside solar lamps worth €60 from a Laois cemetery.
Kathleen O’Shea from Doonane, Crettyard had previously pleaded not guilty to theft from Oakvale Cemetery, Stradbally on dates between 1 August and 16 December 2024.
Following the fully contested case, Ms O’Shea was found guilty of the offence and was back before the court this week for sentencing.
Ms O’Shea’s solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that, following the guilty verdict and on the instruction of the court, his client had positively engaged with the Restorative Justice Programme. She had €100 in court in compensation, which the victim in the case had requested be donated to Kolbe Special School.
Judge Susan Fay, reading from the report that was carried out on the defendant, said: “The Probation Service notes that Ms O’Shea is very remorseful for her offences and has shown a clear resolve not to come to the attention of the gardaí or courts again.”
Before deciding on penalty, Judge Fay asked Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby whether the defendant had previous convictions, to which he replied: “A very old one under the Larceny Act. It’s a spent conviction.”
Judge Fay went on to apply the Probation Act.
