Crack addict mother refused bail at Limerick court following serious allegations

A MOTHER who is accused of robbing an iPhone from a woman has been refused bail following a garda objection.

At Limerick District Court, Judge Patricia Harney was told that Jade Power, aged 34, who has an address at Thomond House, allegedly approached a group of three women on Henry Street in the city centre asking for money on January 27, 2026.

It is alleged that upon being refused money by the women, she forcibly took an iPhone, valued at €800.

Objecting to bail, Garda Aoife Conlon gave evidence that Ms Power allegedly pulled one of the women’s hair during the incident.

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Judge Harney was told a pedestrian who heard screams came to women’s assistance. It is the state's case that this man then asked Ms Power to return the phone.

In response, the defendant is alleged to have held a sharp object, which witnesses believed to be a knife, to the man’s face.

Following the incident, a garda on the beat stopped Ms Power and allegedly found nail snips and a manicure scissors on her person.

In her objection, Garda Conlon expressed concerns Ms Power would not appear in court if released, and that she would not abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Seeking bail on behalf of his client, solicitor Darach McCarthy, said she previously lived in the UK for some time. He said Ms Power is the mother of a 12- year-old boy who “is due to make his confirmation in the next few weeks” and he urged the judge to note his client “is not charged with a weapon of any sort”.

Garda Conlon told the court Ms Power has a crack cocaine addiction and she expressed concerns she may engage in criminality to fund her habit, if released.

She added investigations are ongoing and that “it is envisioned that there will be further charges”.

Sergeant Denis Waters confirmed a file is currently being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Urging the judge to release his client on bail, Mr McCarthy said she has secured accommodation at Thomond House and that she now “has some stability”.

He further added that prior to securing a place at Thomond House, she had a “very nomadic existence” and that it’s “clear she’s not well.”

Having considered the evidence and submissions, Judge Harney stated the woman is “innocent until proven guilty” and that while the alleged offences are “serious” this presumption still applies.

However, given the garda objection, the judge refused Ms Power bail.

She was remanded in custody pending DPP's directions.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme