Court hears Navan woman charged with five thefts... 'heroin has destroyed her life'

Defending Solicitor Monahan said a Navan woman who stole money from a woman with a learning disability is an example of the devastation heroin can cause.

Jessica Lynch (29), from Navan was charged with five thefts and two failures to appear in Trim District Court on 28th October. The court heard approximately €790 was stolen in total during these thefts. This included on 7th May 2024 when she took a purse from an adult with a learning difficulty in Navan and stole €40 from it.

The Defending solicitor Monahan told the court Ms Lynch is a good example of the devastation heroin can cause and said "heroin has destroyed her life". He said she could not attend earlier court dates because she was too dysfunctional but has gained more clarity during her time in custody.

Ms Lynch told the court "I'm awake now" and that she is taking “baby steps” towards rehabilitation.

Ms Lynch is currently serving a sentence for shoplifting and has an expected release date of 13th March next year. She is concerned that she will lose her home if her stay in custody is extended.

Judge Derek Cooney noted the effect heroin has had on her life but "your actions are also having an effect on society".

Judge Cooney imposed a six month sentence starting from the 28th October and said he did not want it to interfere with her release date. She was also given a nine month consecutive sentence suspended for 12 months.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme