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Half pair of scissors and stolen clothes found on woman when she ‘squared up’ to gardai, court hears

Today at 05:45

A mother-of-one “squared up to” gardaí in a street search, and later maintained a half-pair of scissors found on her was for cleaning under her nails.

Erneste Najulynte (25), who was also found with €23 worth of stolen clothes, admitted she had an “attitude problem” with the gardaí on the day.

Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act, leaving her without a criminal record.

The accused, from Lithuania and of no fixed address in Ireland, admitted possession of a weapon and stolen property as well as threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch said Najulynte was found drinking and loitering on the Liffey boardwalk at Ormond Quay on August 18.

She refused to leave, became agitated, stood up and squared up to the gardaí who then arrested and searched her, finding the stolen clothes and half-scissors concealed in a cigarette box.

She had no explanation for the scissors and said of the clothes that she had “robbed them”.

The accused refused to give her details but her identity was established in custody. She had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Evan Moore said Najulynte had the scissors for cleaning under her nails which were getting dirty. She was “quite upset” when gardaí dealt with her.

The accused had fallen on hard times but was now trying to get herself back on track, Mr Moore said.

Najulynte had the money for the clothing in court.