By Claire Henry
A woman who was found in possession of stolen property valued at just over €15,000 will be sentenced next month.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Vicki McKenna (54), previously of Sheriff Street Lower, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of handling stolen property and one count of possession of a de-tagger on dates in May and June 2021. She has three previous convictions.
Detective Garda Kelly McKiernan told Tessa White BL, prosecuting, that in May 2021 gardai received confidential information about stolen goods at McKenna’s address. A search warrant was obtained, and the home was searched.
The court heard that items valued at €13,747 were found, including €7,696 worth of products from Boots.
In June 2021, garda again received confidential information, and a second search warrant was obtained for McKenna’s address. The gardaí searched the house and seized items valued at €1,443. McKenna was not present at the time of the second search but arranged to meet the gardaí by appointment.
McKenna made a voluntary statement to the gardai and admitted that she knew the items were stolen. She said that her son had a drug debt and that threats had been made against her.
Det Gda McKiernan agreed with Jennifer Jackson BL, defending, that her client has never been in custody before and made admissions both at home and during her garda interview. The garda witness agreed that during her interview, McKenna said people came to her door looking for money due to a debt her son had created.
Ms Jackson told the court that her client was undergoing treatment at the Mater Hospital at present and asked if the case could be adjourned for medical reports to be obtained.
Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter until December 7 next so all documents could be obtained.