‘Prolific thief’ with 83 previous convictions sentenced to 100 hours community service
A “PROLIFIC THIEF” with 53 previous convictions for theft was sentenced to 100 hours community service by Blanchardstown District Court.
Judge David McHugh described Serena Flynn’s conviction history as “shocking stuff” and “appalling”.
Blanchardstown District Court
Flynn, aged 41, with an address at Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to stealing clothing worth €73 from Penneys, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, on July 26, 2018.
Garda John Paul Cushen told Judge McHugh that at 2pm on the above date, Flynn entered Penneys and took items worth €73 and left without paying for them.
He said Flynn has 83 previous convictions of which 53 are for theft. Garda Cushen said that except for two convictions, the most recent was from 2005.
Flynn’s counsel, Jennifer Jackson Bl, said her client is 41 and is a single mother.
She said Flynn has a daughter who has cystic fibrosis and was endeavouring to look after the child without the assistance of the child’s father.
Referring to Flynn’s record, Judge McHugh said: “This is shocking stuff. It’s appalling”.
Ms Jackson said Flynn has “a long-standing drug addiction” and added that Flynn is currently on methadone.
Judge McHugh told Ms Jackson: “How does she propose to pay back society for her criminal record.
“She is a prolific thief.”
Ms Jackson asked Judge McHugh to consider imposing a sentence of community service.
Judge McHugh sentenced Flynn to 100 hours community service with three months jail in default.
