GUILTY PLEA |
Karen O’Callaghan (56), with an address in Bray, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft
Karen O’Callaghan (56), with an address in Bray, Co. Wicklow outside Bray Courthouse on November 10, 2025.
A woman who suffers from kleptomania has admitted to stealing hundreds of euros worth of goods from shops three Wicklow towns.
Karen O’Callaghan (56), with an address in Bray, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft.
Garda Patrick Beere told the court that on October 24, 2024, Ms O’Callaghan was observed on CCTV in Bray paying for items at a self-service checkout but “forgot to pay” for items valued at €20.
On the second occasion, in February 2025, Ms O’Callaghan stole assorted groceries worth €133.34 from Aldi in Rathnew.
The court heard that Ms O’Callaghan also stole €149 worth of goods from Superdrug in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow.
The court was informed that Ms O’Callaghan has a long list of previous convictions, the majority of which relate to theft.
Sergeant Mick Canavan told the court that Ms O’Callaghan currently has a suspended sentence which might be triggered; however, it was later discovered that it does not activate, as the offences occurred prior to the sentence being imposed.
Karen O’Callaghan (56), with an address in Bray, Co. Wicklow outside Bray Courthouse on November 10, 2025.
Counsel for the defence, Joe Maguire, told the court that his client suffers from a medical condition that compels her to steal.
The court was told that Ms O’Callaghan has been diagnosed as a kleptomaniac.
A kleptomaniac is someone who has a psychological compulsion to steal items they often don’t need or could easily afford.
The behaviour stems from an impulse control disorder known as kleptomania, where the act of stealing provides temporary relief or satisfaction rather than material gain.
Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matter for the preparation of a probation report. Ms O’Callaghan is due back before Bray District Court on February 23, 2026.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme