Limerick woman charged with five shop thefts denied bail by district court

A WOMAN who is accused of shoplifting at a number of premises in Limerick city was refused bail when she appeared before Limerick District Court.

Amber Milbrandt, aged 39, with an address at McGarry House, Alphonsus Street, Courtbrack, Limerick, was arrested on February 19, 2026 and subsequently charged in connection with offences which are alleged to have happened earlier this year and late last year.

It is alleged that Ms Milbrandt committed five thefts from various shops on dates between November 2025 and February 2026.

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According to gardai, goods valued at €1,058 were stolen from the various premises, which include McCabe's Pharmacy, Grove Island; Spar, Henry Street; Dunnes Stores, Jetland Shopping Centre and SuperValu, Corbally.

Opposing bail, Garda Emily Maher gave evidence that it is her belief the defendant will “continue to commit further serious acts” if granted on bail.

Garda Maher said it will be alleged Ms Milbrandt is addicted to controlled drugs, mainly crack cocaine.

Ms Milbrandt, who was represented by solicitor Sarah Ryan, told the court she is now on methadone and is working with the Probation Service.

“I have been trying,” she said before detailing how she has been linking in with addiction services, namely Sláinte Drugs and Alcohol service.

Judge Patricia Harney said Ms Milbrandt comes before the court as an innocent woman and that she has the presumption of innocence, before being proven guilty.

The judge stated that she believed the garda evidence and that the overriding consideration is to ensure Ms Milbrandt appears in court for future hearings.

In light of the garda evidence, Judge Harney decided to refuse Ms Milbrandt bail.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme