A WOMAN who admitted stealing from an order of nuns in Limerick and robbing a car that broke down after she put the wrong fuel in it was refused bail.
Carmel Duggan (41), of no fixed abode, “co-operated and made admission” after being arrested on theft and burglary charges dating back to July 2024, Limerick District Court heard.
Judge Patricia Harney was given evidence during a bail hearing for the woman that she told Gardaí that she has had serious addiction problems for the last 15 years, costing her €1,000 a week to buy heroine and crack cocaine.
This was far in excess of her income of €288 from social welfare payments, the court heard.
As part of the Garda bail objection, the court heard that it is alleged that on July 23 last, Ms Duggan went to a building in Limerick which is home to an order of nuns.
While there, it’s alleged she stole a handbag containing a cheque book, which was later found with one of the cheques made out in the name of Carmel Duggan.
Its also alleged that she stole a Toyota Yaris, which was found abandoned close to a garage.
The Garda evidence was that the car had broken down after, it is alleged, Ms Duggan put the wrong fuel in it and that the CCTV had captured an image of a person closely resembling Ms Duggan getting out of the car.
It cost €500 to repair the vehicle, the court heard.
It is also alleged that she stole jewellery in a burglary which had “huge sentimental value” as it belonged to the deceased sister of the victim.
The arresting Garda told Judge Harney that there is an objection to bail as it is feared the accused woman might commit further serious crimes to feed her addiction if she is allowed to go free pending the full court hearing of the case.
Her solicitor, Tom Kiely, told the court that Ms Duggan had “co-operated fully” with Gardaí when she was being interviewed.
She had been given station bail on the charges, the solicitor pointed out.
But the Garda witness said that Ms Duggan had been living in homeless hostel and having enquired the day before the matter came to court, there were no beds available there for her.
Judge Harney said that the alleged offences were “against elderly and vulnerable people – an order of nuns”.
Taking into account the Garda objections, the nature of the evidence, and the seriousness of the offences, she refused bail.
She sent Ms Duggan forward to the current sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court in Limerick following the service of a Book of Evidence on her.
– Court Reporting Scheme