'Prolific' Limerick shoplifter with tragic past sentenced to 20 months imprisonment

A LIMERICK woman, who was previously the victim of two high profile and violent assaults, has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for a spate of shoplifting offences.

Simone Lee, who has 34 previous convictions, was described by Judge Patricia Harney as a “chronic drug addict” and a “prolific shoplifter” when she appeared before her at Limerick District Court.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to more than a dozen theft charges relating a variety of items including vodka worth €182, groceries and books worth €15.

Ms Lee was also before the court charged with possession of a small amount of cocaine and with failing to appear in court on three separate occasions. 

She pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of euros worth of items from a number of shops in Limerick city on various dates between March 2024 and September 2025. 

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An appeal against the severity of the sentence imposed has been lodged by Ms Lee’s solicitor, Darach McCarthy, who said his client is "very apologetic".  

Inspector Liam Wallace, who presented the case, asked Judge Harney to impose a number of conditions on the defendant pending the conclusion of her appeal.

Ms Lee was ordered to stay away from Dunnes Stores at the Jetland Shopping Centre, Tesco at Arthur's Quay, Penney’s, O’Connell Street, Lidl at Childers Road and O’Mahony’s Bookshop, O'Connell Street.  

Tragic past 

Simone Lee is a survivor of two high-profile assaults, including a “false imprisonment” which was mentioned by Mr McCarthy during his submission to the court. 

Ms Lee endured serious injuries as a result of the brutal attacks, one of which left her in a coma for three weeks. 

Addressing the court, Mr McCarthy appealed to Judge Harney to consider Ms Lee’s circumstances, stating that she “had a very, very difficult upbringing” and “needs professional help”.

While acknowledging that Ms Lee’s story is “very sad”, Judge Harney said: “The company and the circumstances that she would find herself in would not be salubrious.” 

The Judge said the offending had occurred over a "protracted period" and she further stated that “her record is appalling” and warranted a prison sentence.

She imposed consecutive sentences totalling 20 months - just under the maximum of 24 months that can be imposed in the district court.

She refused a request from Mr McCarthy to partly-suspend the sentence.

A number of the charges were taken into consideration.