Hammer time: Longford woman settles theft compensation
Longford District Court heard that Mary Nevin of 3 Camlin Mews in Longford “had moved on so much from where she was” last year when discovered in possession of a hammer in her handbag. In unrelated matters, it was also confirmed that she had paid the balance of compensation for items stolen during two separate incidents.
A Longford woman who “acted totally against her nature,” when she committed crimes that resulted in her being charged with theft and possession of a weapon, namely a “hammer in her handbag”, appeared before a recent sitting of Longford District Court to pay the balance of compensation owed to the theft victims.
Addressing the court, solicitor Frank Gearty said his client, 42 year old Mary Nevin of 3 Camlin Mews, Longford, confirmed the matter was in for finalisation and that his client, who had already paid €250, had brought the remainder of money owed, specifically €50.
The first theft occurred on Christmas Eve 2024 where sportswear to the value of €170 was stolen from Elvery’s on the Athlone Road in Longford.
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The prosecuting Garda on this matter was Eoin Mulheir.
The second theft charge related to February 21 last year whereby Ms Nevin stole cosmetics to the value of €103.96 from Boots in Longford town.
The prosecuting Garda for this was Declan O’Grady.
The third charge, relating to possession of a weapon, occurred on June 27 last year where Ms Nevin was found in possession of a hammer in Teffia Park.
On this particular occasion, Ms Nevin was arrested and charged by Garda Tomás Connaughton.
Addressing the court, Solr Gearty said his client “had moved on so much from where she was” at that point.
He added, “she is now safely in a stable environment and those dear to her are close by.”
“She has also recovered from a very serious health issue she had at the time. I remind the court that she has now paid full compensation.”
When Solr Gearty addressed the charge of the possession of a hammer, he pointed out that it had remained inside her handbag and had not been taken out.
“In fairness Mr Gearty,” Judge Owens replied, “you don’t usually have a hammer in your handbag!”
Explained Solr Gearty, “Another party from whom she is now estranged, took responsibility for that. She (Ms Nevin) acknowledges responsibility for allowing it. She has moved on so much.”
She said she would give Ms Nevin an opportunity despite having already done so previously and went on to instruct that Section 1(2) of the Probation of Offenders Act be applied, meaning the court would deal with the matter by way of probation and conditional discharge rather than imposing a sentence.