'Stay out of Kilkenny' woman warned after stealing purses from several handbags in local supermarkets

Stealing purses from handbags resulted in a prison sentence at Kilkenny District Court.

Caroline Duffin, 16 Mount George, Wexford, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft in Kilkenny.

On August 30, 2024, Ms Duffin was in a Kilkenny bar. While ordering a drink Ms Duffin took €105 from a bag that was beside her. It was not recovered.

On April 12, 2025, Ms Duffin was in Dunnes Stores on Kieran Street. She approached a trolley which had another woman’s bag sitting, open, on top. She took a wallet containing €175.

On the same day, in Dunnes Stores MacDonagh Junction, Ms Duffin carried out a similar action. She took a purse containing €270 and cards.

The court was told Ms Duffin had 175 previous convictions, the majority for theft offences.

Solicitor Alex Rafter said his client was extremely remorseful. She had brought €300 with her to court to offer as compensation.
The offences were opportunistic, he said.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said the previous convictions were an aggravating factor in the case.
She noted Ms Duffin had received a suspended sentence in April and circa a week later committed the same kind of offence. She said she could not ignore that.

“This lady has been afforded every opportunity,” the judge said, adding that she had to take the victims into account.
A six-month prison sentence was imposed on a theft charge.
Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal, on condition include that Ms Duffin stay out of Kilkenny.