Woman (24) punched and robbed disabled man in Limerick

A woman punched a disabled man and robbed his wallet after tricking him into believing she was going to help him tie his shoelaces, a court heard on Friday.

Belinda O'Sullivan (24) pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to robbing the man on May 25th, 2014.

She also pleaded guilty to stealing €39.14 worth of hair and beauty products from a hair salon on July 2nd, 2014.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said O’Sullivan, of McGarry House, Alphonsus Street, Limerick, had “an appalling record” having clocked up 102 previous convictions.

The court heard that O’Sullivan, who knew the victim, robbed the man on Lord Edward Street, Limerick, after approaching him with an accomplice.

The victim who has cerebral palsy was asked if he wanted help tying his shoelaces.

“The accused took his wallet and struck the victim in the face,” the judge said.

The man who was in a “very distressed” state after the incident was helped by two passersby who called gardaí.

The accused robbed a beauty salon two months later when she placed stolen products into a buggy and walked out without paying for the items.

O’Sullivan initially told gardaí she “was trying to help the man” in the wheelchair, however she later admitted robbing him.

The court heard she had “expressed remorse” for committing the robberies.

Judge O’Donnell praised the victim, “who despite his difficulties, gave an excellent account of what happened to gardaí”.

“The victim felt that the accused saw him as an easy target,” the judge said.

O’Sullivan, who took ill during the sentencing hearing, also appeared in court for the activation of two previously suspended consecutive sentences for robbery totalling three years.

Judge O’Donnell remanded her in continuing custody for sentencing on June 1st.