Two women appeared in court last month for blocking the path of pedestrians while begging in Waterford city.
Florica Anghel (34) of 26 Francis Street, Waterford, and Narcisa Florentina Bacrau (29) of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at a sitting of Waterford District Court last month, where they were both charged with causing an obstruction while begging, contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2011. Both women each pled guilty to a single count of the offence.
Sergeant John Phelan outlined to the court that on 3 March, 2026 at around 1.00 pm, Gardaí were alerted to a woman ‘aggressively’ begging outside The Book Centre on Barronstrand Street, Waterford city.
Sgt Phelan said the woman, identified as Florica Anghel, was observed to be shaking a cup and blocking the path of pedestrians. Gardaí intervened after watching the accused for a period of time.
It was noted in court that she has one previous conviction for a similar offence.
The Sergeant said that on 5 March 2026, Gardaí were informed of the second accused woman, Narcisa Florentina Bacrau, also begging on Barronstand Street around midday. Sgt Phelan added that the accused was blocking the doorway of a shop with a sign, and failed to leave the area when she was asked to do so.
The two accused women were both represented by solicitor Hilary Delahunty, who emphasised there is no connection between them.
Mr. Delahunty said that Anghel has five young children and is often begging in Waterford city. He added that Gardaí do not intervene in these situations unless the person “goes above what is tolerated”, which is what happened with Anghel.
“What else is she inclined to do?”
Mr. Delahunty said that Bacrau has three children and is in an “unpleasant situation” in relation to having no fixed address. He asked Judge Cheatle: “what else is she inclined to do?”
The Judge decided to apply Section 1 (1) of the Probation Act in the cases of both women. However, he told Mr. Delahunty that if either of them come to Garda attention again, they run the risk of receiving a custodial sentence.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
