Heroin addict stole car in County Limerick but then brought it back

A HEROIN addict stole a car from a home in County Limerick on a Monday morning but then brought it back.

Aisling Breen, aged 28, of Ballyhoulihan East, Emly pleaded guilty in Kilmallock Court to unauthorised taking of a vehicle. The offence occurred at Ballyfaskin, Ballylanders on February 5, 2018. Sergeant Michelle Leahy said a Ford Mondeo was taken from a garage at the address at around 9.30am.

“The injured party’s partner observed the car being driven out. Ms Breen was identified as being involved. Contact was made with her and she drove to the car park. The defendant was arrested and questioned. She made full admissions,” said Sgt Leahy.

Kevin Power, solicitor for Ms Breen, said his client was ancillary to the crime.

“She was accompanied by another person. Notifications were put up on Facebook and Ms Breen was contacted. She returned the car,” said Mr Power. The solicitor said Ms Breen’s car had broken down and she was on foot.

“It was opportunistic. She knew it was wrong. She immediately gave the car back when contacted. She is a recovering heroin addict but at the time she was under the influence and was badly in need of funds to supply her habit. She has struggled with her habit but started a two year methadone programme a week later,” said Mr Power.

“She looks an awful lot better than the last time she was in court. It seems to be working,” continued Mr Power. Judge Marian O’Leary said Ms Breen is obviously doing very well on the programme.

She ordered a pre sanction report from the Probation Services and adjourned the case.