Longford woman tells court she ‘couldn’t be arsed’ undertaking voluntary work

A grandmother with a history of thefts and who spat at a Penney’s security guard in Longford Shopping Centre, has told the court she “couldn’t be arsed” when it was suggested to her that she engage in voluntary work in the town.   

50-year-old Kathleen Delaney of 2 St Michael’s Road, Longford, had been ordered to engage with the probation services after having previously pleaded guilty to the charges of assaulting a security guard in Penney's and engaging in threatening behaviour back on August 15, 2022.  

It was confirmed that the security guard would not be providing a victim impact statement. 

Kathleen Delaney leaving Longford District Court

Sergeant Enda Daly, told the court that the injured party was “quite upset surrounding the incident” and that he subsequently left the security industry and was now working in the UK. “That’s all he wished to say to the court”, Sgt Daly confirmed.  

As she viewed Ms Delaney’s file, Judge Bernadette Owens noted, “I see it was directed for a restorative justice report and there was reference to Ms Delaney engaging with some voluntary service.

“It’s in the restorative justice report that Ms Delaney has registered with the Longford Volunteer Centre and has agreed to engage with upcoming voluntary events, what has she done?” 

Solicitor Aoife Kelly replied that her client “had applied for it but she hasn’t obtained any work.”

She added that her client had told her she had two bereavements, at which point Ms Delaney herself interrupted to inform the court she “wouldn’t have the qualifications ma’am for the work.”   

“Voluntary work?” replied Judge Owens.  

“I’ve been to every charity shop in town,” Ms Delaney said before adding, “I can’t read or write what do you expect?”

“It doesn't necessarily have to be a charity shop,” the Judge explained, “it could be something with the TidyTowns!”  

“Ah I couldn’t be arsed,” Ms Delaney muttered in return. 

Kathleen Delaney leaving Longford District Court 

During the same sitting, the court also heard the facts in relation to a separate charge of theft last year from Aldi in Longford. Ms Delaney stands accused of stealing wine and gin to the value of €73.23 from the Aldi branch on the Athlone Road on June 20 last. 

Solr Kelly said her client had “made admissions early on and signed the notebook to confirm she had taken the wine on the date.”  

Read: Longford's Farmer Phil to be special guest at major event alongside Clarkson's Farm star

Ms Kelly added that her client had brought €80 with her as reimbursement for the theft. The solicitor also informed the court that her client had been engaging with her GP in relation to her mental health, was currently undergoing investigations for cardiac and blood pressure issues and was wearing a blood pressure monitor to the court.  

The solicitor stated that the deaths of Ms Delaney’s two children had “hit her very very hard” and that she was helping to care for her grandchildren. She “doesn’t intend to come back before the court again”.  

Sgt Daly outlined that Ms Delaney - who previously failed to appear for her court appearance in Longford District Court on February 10 last - received her most recent conviction in May last year from Longford Circuit Court, for a theft incident. 

As a result of this, she was bound to the peace for 18 months and to carry out 240 hours of community service. “She has 29 previous thefts”, Sgt Daly said.

Read: Life buoys, a walking aid, and a buggy among “outrageous” rubbish found in Longford beauty spot  

In finalising matters, Judge Owens dealt with the assault matter first. She noted the positive Restorative Justice Report, the letter from Merchants Quay, and also mentioned a  letter of apology that had been  written by Ms Delaney. 

Taking all factors into account, the court applied Section 1(2) of the probation act on this matter, which meant that while Ms Delaney was convicted of the offence, no penalty was imposed. 

On the theft matter, Judge Owens said given the facts she would put it in for review on October 20 and remanded Mrs Delaney on continuing bail until that date.