Courts / Dublin / Report

Mum-of-four avoids jail over mobile thefts

Date
2017-03-07

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Maria Muntean, 28, a mother of four who is expecting a fifth child, pleaded guilty to the theft of two iPhone 6s mobile phones from Three Ireland Phone Stores in Tralee and Killarney on 7 November 2015. CCTV footage showed her with two men: one removed the phones from the display case, the other watched staff while Muntean blocked the view with a brochure, which she then placed over the cradle. The phones, each valued at €699, were not recovered. Muntean had 54 previous convictions under two identities, including 17 thefts, one robbery, casual trading and road traffic offences. She was arrested but made no admissions during the Garda interview. The court, noting she was the least culpable of those arrested and had engaged with the Probation Service, imposed a two‑year sentence, which was suspended in full on strict conditions. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mum-of-four avoids jail over mobile thefts. Charges or matters: theft of iPhone 6s mobile phones at Three Ireland Phone Stores at Abbey Court, Tralee and High Street Killarney on November 7, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 7, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-03-07 Publication

Case subjects

Maria Muntean

Defendant

Charges: theft of iPhone 6s mobile phones at Three Ireland Phone Stores at Abbey Court, Tralee and High Street Killarney on November 7, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge imposed a two year sentence which she suspended in full on strict conditions.