‘addiction problems’ | 

‘Prolific Dublin thief’ with 59 previous convictions is jailed for 18 months

Samantha Osborne (32), of College Street, Dublin 2, admitted numerous counts of theft

Today at 07:20

A shoplifter who a judge described as a “prolific thief” has been jailed for 18 months.

Samantha Osborne (32) repeatedly stole cosmetics and clothing, and had battled addiction problems for some years.

The defendant, of College Street, Dublin 2, admitted numerous counts of theft.

Blanchardstown District Court heard Osborne stole cosmetic items, worth €120, from Boots in Blackrock on December 7, 2021.

She also took cosmetics, worth €69, from Hickey’s Pharmacy, Meath Street, Dublin 8, on July 17, 2023, and she returned the next day and took cosmetics valued at €57.

Osborne took clothing valued at €239 from Zara and a jacket, worth €20, from Bershka, in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre on November 20, 2023.

The court heard Osborne had 59 previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Terence Hanahoe said Osborne, a mother of one, had battled a drug problem for some years. She had been clean for some time, but she may have gone back on them.

Mr Hanahoe said Osborne realised she faced a jail term, and was hoping to get onto a drug treatment programme once she got out of prison.

Sentencing Osborne, Judge David McHugh said she was a “prolific thief