Crucifix-wearing woman tells Kildare judge from prison she prays to her dead brother

A woman told Naas District Court she prays to her late brother, who died from cancer at the age of 28.

The woman, who appeared via videolink from the Dóchas Centre in Mountjoy Prison, made the comment when she was asked about a crucifix she was wearing byJudge Desmond Zaidan.

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The woman was being prosecuted for the theft of €15 worth of cosmetics from Moore’s pharmacy in Athy and said that she “relapsed” about four weeks after his sibling’s passing.

Sgt Mary Meade triad the items were taken from a stand just inside the door of the premises. She said no violence was used and the items were not recovered.

The court heard the woman had 22 previous convictions, including eight for theft and one for possessing stolen property. She is due to be released on October 8 next.

Defending solicitor Chloe Donegan said the defendant used to have a job and worked in banking and business settings but “fell victim to drugs.”

Ms Donegan said the woman has a 15 year old child and is now clean.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he would not add to the term she is currently serving and imposed a term of six months.