Woman in ‘toxic relationship’ ‘put under pressure’ to steal diesel from Limerick premises

A WOMAN who admitted stealing diesel from a service station on the outskirts of Limerick city was convicted and fined €300 when appeared before Limerick District Court. 

Sharon Hickey - who has an address in Mullingar, County Westmeath - pleaded guilty to stealing €36 worth of diesel from Circle K on the Ballysimon Road on June 28, 2021. 

After his client admitted the offence, Solicitor Tom Kiely said she was put under duress when the incident took place. At the time, he said, Ms Hickey was in a “toxic relationship”. 

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Before the incident took place, Ms Hickey “was driving the car and was put under pressure” to fill the vehicle with fuel and to drive off without paying. 

Urging the court to be lenient, Mr Kiely said the relationship left Ms Hickey with “physical and emotional scars”.

Judge Patricia Harney was also informed that Ms Hickey has been free from addiction for years, and had difficulties in the past. 

She has two previous convictions under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 - one for theft and one for possession of stolen property. 

After outlining the circumstances of the offending, Sergeant Denis Waters said numerous bench warrants had previously been issued for Ms Hickey, when she failed to appear in court.

Having recorded a conviction, Judge Harney imposed a €300 fine giving the defendant three months to pay.