Seven months in prison for Lurgan woman who assaulted police, stole from a shop, and failed to pay for a taxi
A Lurgan woman has been sentenced to seven months in prison after pleading guilty to a number of charges, including assault on police and theft.
She appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court via videolink from Hydebank Prison.
The court heard that on Saturday July 5, 2025, police spoke with the defendant and a male, who was accompanying her.
The male was arrested for traffic offences and the defendant, Grace Eleanor Curran (35), whose address was given as Lurgan Tarry, Lurgan, became abusive towards the police, using foul language.
Police attempted to calm the defendant but she continued to be disorderly, kicking one officer in the shin.
The defendant was charged with assault on police and disorderly behaviour.
On August 11, 2025 police were alerted to the defendant stealing items, including dishwasher tablets and a protein bar, from the Eurospar on the Gilpinstown Road.
The value of the items was said to have totalled £46.41.
On February 5, 2026, police received a report from a Fonacab taxi driver that the defendant had obtained a taxi and failed to pay the fare of £32.60.
It was noted that the defendant was in breach of suspended sentences.
A defence told the court: “She has a very sad history. She suffers from fibromyalgia and severe anxiety.
"She has a very lengthy record of self harm, has serious problems with addictions, and has ADHD and PTSD.
"She seemed to be doing quite well but took a step back and now appears in court for her behaviour.”
On the charge of assault on police and disorderly behaviour, District Judge Michael Ranaghan, who said the assault on the police was the most serious of the offences, imposed a custodial sentence of three months, as well as an offender’s levy of £25.
"No officer should have to face that,” he commented.
On the charges of theft and obtaining services dishonestly, Mr Ranaghan imposed a custodial sentence of two months on each charge to run concurrently with each other but consecutively with the previous sentence.
Mr Ranaghan also activated two suspended sentences of one month each, bringing the total custodial sentence to seven months.