‘Mary Magdalene’ claim after woman steals €300 worth of Limerick jerseys and legs of lamb

A WOMAN who stole four legs of lamb and over €300 worth of Limerick jerseys is to be sentenced for these offences and others at Limerick District Court.

Mary Ann Lyndsey, aged 51, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Andrew Gubbins via video-link from Limerick Prison following a spate of theft offences across the city.

Judge Gubbins was informed that on June 21, 2025, the accused entered Aldi on the Childers Road and picked up an array of items to the value of €150, including four legs of lamb. Ms Lyndsey passed all till points and failed to pay before exiting the premises. She was later identified through CCTV footage that was obtained by gardai and the products were not recovered.

In January of this year, the 51-year-old was also identified on CCTV footage taking five Ireland rugby jerseys worth over €600 from sportswear shop Elverys in the Crescent Shopping Centre. Ms Lyndsey later returned to this store on May 26, this time stealing five Limerick jerseys valued at over €300. The goods were never located.

The defendant is also charged with two offences that occurred on July 25.

Limerick District Court heard that on this date, Ms Lyndsey left Aldi on the Childers Road with food, cleaning supplies and alcohol concealed in a buggy without paying the €62 that was owed. Following this, she then headed to a nearby pharmacy where she made off with €5 reading glasses and a €92 mirror.

Just one day later at 8pm, gardai on Davis Street in the city centre came across the 51-year-old in a dwelling where she was laying on the ground with no shoes on. Ms Lyndsey was brought to their attention after a member of the public alleged she was being verbally abusive to passers-by.

Judge Andrew Gubbins heard that when gardai asked the woman to get up and put her shoes on, she began insulting them and claimed her name was Mary Magdalene. It became apparent to authorities that Ms Lyndsey was intoxicated and they subsequently arrested her under the Public Order Act.

Limerick District Court was informed that the defendant continued to shout while being arrested, saying to gardai: “F**k the judge and your mother.”

Mary Ann Lyndsey has 100 previous convictions, including for assault, attempted robbery, criminal damage, failure to appear in court, obstruction, public order and theft, among others. She was refused bail on July 27.

Representing the defendant, Solicitor Cathal Quirke, of Herbert & Co, informed Judge Gubbins that his client was previously residing with her niece, who subsequently passed away, and as a result, Ms Lyndsey became homeless. It was his view that this, and her addiction to alcohol, is what led the Limerick woman to committing the spate of offences from January to July of this year.

Mr Quirke stated that his client had an "exceptionally difficult life and upbringing.” The court heard that from a young age, Ms Lyndsey had been in the care of different family members and has had “traumatic experiences” throughout her life. He said that she wishes to apologise for actions as they are “not something she’s proud of.”

Mr Quirke further put to the court that Ms Lyndsey had “lost faith in authority” in regards to her public order charge arising from July 26 and reminded Judge Gubbins that upon release, his client will “enter a new period of homelessness” and have to seek out accommodation.

It is his belief that the 51-year-old will face an “upward struggle” when she is released from prison for these offences, some of which were for groceries. He confirmed that Ms Lyndsey has never sought out treatment in relation to her alcohol addiction.

Solicitor Cathal Quirke asked the judge to consider suspending a portion of his client’s sentence so she has the opportunity to engage with suitable services.

Judge Andrew Gubbins confirmed that he is considering a custodial sentence for Ms Lyndsey and decided to take the matter into consideration for a probation and welfare report.

Mary Ann Lyndsey will be before Limerick District Court on September 22 for sentencing.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.