Woman admits stealing from shops and possessing drugs in Laois

A woman admitted stealing from shops and possessing drugs in Laois. 

Eva Duskevic (23) with addresses at 7 Oaklawn, Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise and Flat 3 O’Connell House, O’Connell  Street, Mountmellick pleaded guilty to the offences at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

She admitted having heroin for sale or supply and possession of methadone and cocaine at O’Connell House, Mountmellick on May 11, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a tick list, heroin valued at €300, methadone worth €20 and cocaine valued at €60 were discovered during a search of her address in Mountmellick on May 11.  On July 13, gardaí searched the address again and found heroin worth €750, cannabis valued at €250. 

Sgt Kirby said there was someone else at the address with her and they “would have been the main player”. The defendant was stopped on Patrick Street, Mountmellick on July 29, 2023 and gardaí found heroin valued at €280.  

She admitted stealing a Four Loko alcoholic beverage worth €5.50 from Supervalu, Lyster Square, Portlaoise.  On December 13, 2023 she stole a jacket valued at €159.99 from TK Maxx, Kyle Centre, Portlaoise. 

On January 25, 2024 she stole groceries valued at €44.95 from Centra, Main Street, Shinrone, Offaly. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had suffered addiction issues with drugs and alcohol and had been homeless for a time.  

Mr Fitzgerald explained that the woman had gone down the wrong path after she had begun a relationship with a drug user. 

He said the woman was now engaging with Merchants Quay Ireland and “the recent pattern has been much better” as she was not engaging with negative peer groups and had moved to Cashel. He said the best option for the defendant and society was to allow her to continue with her rehab. 

“She is aware that she is very much on the precipice,” said Mr Fitzgerald.  

Judge Susan Fay said “I am going to order a probation report and include a community service suitability assessment.” If suitable, she said this would normally consider 180 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison. 

He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 12 for a probation report.