Teen who stole a phone from a woman's handbag in Waterford avoids jail
He pleaded guilty at Waterford Courthouse.
A teenager has avoided jail for stealing a phone from a woman’s handbag on the condition she go to counselling.
Charlotte Conway (19) of Dunmaine House, Campile, Wexford and Apt 1B Grangecohan, St John's Park, Waterford was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for one year at Waterford District Court for the theft on the Dunmore Road on January 6, 2025.
The defendant was also before the court on a number of other matters, including the theft of charity and tip boxes from shop counters.
Ms Conway appeared before Judge John Cheatle in July when he put the matter back to October for the preparation of a probation report and victim impact statement.
Sergeant Michael Hickey told the court on October 14, that the defendant, who has no previous convictions, had been identified from CCTV and made full admissions when interviewed.
Judge Kevin Staunton described the probation report as “very concerning.” Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that his client suffers from a polysubstance misuse problem stemming from her parents’ divorce.
He said that while she comes from a very stable family background with both her parents being professionals, they did divorce, and this has led Ms Conway to “rebel with attention-seeking behaviours”.
This culminated in her leaving school early and becoming isolated.
The solicitor said his client has since finished her leaving certificate and has sought treatment in the past.
He said a “silver lining” is that she acknowledges her wrongdoing and that the offences were opportunistic rather than planned.
The theft of the charity boxes, he said, while “mean-spirited,” was a “snatch and grab” scenario for which she feels “shame and remorse.” Mr Cunningham asked that if the judge imposed a sentence that he suspend it to give her a chance to turn her life around.
Judge Staunton said he doubted that Ms Conway would be capable of complying with a bond.
“I don’t know how far she can fall. She seems like she needs to be taken off the streets and put somewhere else,” said Judge Staunton.
The defendant, addressing the judge directly, said that she found it helpful to talk to the probation officer and would be willing to go to counselling.
The judge said he would “take her at her word” and give her one last chance.
He suspended the six-month sentence for one year on the condition that she attend any programme recommended by the probation service, as well as counselling and get treatment for her addiction problems.
All other matters were taken into consideration.
