Bench warrant issued for teen over stolen car

Winnie Joyce

By Tom Tuite

a BENCH warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 19-year-old woman awaiting sentence for travelling in a stolen car following a theft in south Dublin.

Librarian Elizabeth Turley was knocked unconscious and her car was taken after she had got out to key in a code to security gates at her Dublin 4 apartment building on April 21, 2014.

Her car was driven from the scene and recovered in Dublin city centre a day later.

Winnie Joyce (19), from Darley Terrace, Dublin 8, had pleaded guilty in December to unlawfully travelling as a passenger in the car knowing it was stolen at Herbert Green, Sandymount, on the afternoon of April 21 last.

The teenager also pleaded guilty to connected charges, for theft of €90, a phone worth €100 and make-up, which were taken from the car.

When she was arrested "a small street deal of heroin was discovered on her person, value €20", Dublin District Court heard.

Her sentence hearing was due to take place yesterday but a bench warrant for her arrest was issued when she did not turn up.

The jobless woman had also admitted selling deals of heroin with a total value of €150 to an undercover garda at O'Connell Bridge on April 17, as well as two petty shoplifting incidents.

CHAOTIC

Judge Michael Walsh noted from background reports that Joyce has experienced periods of homelessness related to her offending and "chaotic lifestyle". She is getting help from social workers, the court also heard.

He had ordered that a pre-sentence probation report on Joyce be prepared.

It is understood that a man who had been questioned in connection with the theft of the car has since died.

hnews@herald.ie