A LIMERICK mother-of-three says she hopes to be given “a second chance” after being caught shoplifting goods valued at more than €660.
30-year-old Katie Casey, of no fixed abode, appeared before Limerick District Court facing 13 charges, including assault, public order, and theft offences.
Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told the court that a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions relating to the case had now been completed.
Ms Casey’s solicitor, Thomas Kiely, said his client became dependent on alcohol following the deaths of her mother and brother, both of whom died tragically in recent years.
He told the court that, as a result of her addiction and personal circumstances, she made a number of “bad decisions”.
Mr Kiely added that Ms Casey has since attended rehabilitation treatment and is working to improve her life. He said that “upon her eventual release, she hopes to put a structured plan in place and be given another opportunity to move forward positively”.
The court also heard that she has made efforts to recover some of the financial losses linked to the theft offences. Mr Kiely said her children are now back in her life, things are running more smoothly, and she has a far more positive outlook for the future.
He also said she has engaged fully with probation and welfare services since entering rehabilitation treatment recently.
Judge Catherine Ryan ordered a probation report, and Ms Casey is due to appear before the court again by video link on June 9.
– Court Reporting Scheme