Courts / Dublin / Report
Women stole €1,700 worth of children's clothing in "act of desperation", court hears
Summary
In a Balbriggan District Court hearing, two women, Eileen McDonagh (36) and Carolyn Ward (29), pleaded guilty to stealing €1,782.35 worth of children's clothing from a Tesco Extra store on 25 October. The items were taken by filling a trolley and leaving without payment; security detained them and recovered the goods. Both had no prior convictions. Their solicitor described the theft as an unplanned, desperate act, noting the defendants were on social welfare and had children. Judge Grainne O'Neill expressed concern over the value but acknowledged the lack of sophisticated planning. She remanded them on continuing bail until February, requiring each to donate €300 to a charity. If the donations are made by that date, the judge will apply the Probation Act, potentially sparing them a conviction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Women stole €1,700 worth of children's clothing in "act of desperation", court hears. Charges or matters: the theft of clothing valued at €1,782.35 from Tesco Extra at Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan on October 25th. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- October 25th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-10-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the theft of clothing valued at €1,782.35 from Tesco Extra at Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan on October 25th (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Grainne O'Neill said she is not sure she can accept that it was a spur of the moment act. "The amount is of concern," said Judge O'Neill, "I am not sure if I can accept it was a spur of the moment act but I do accept that it was not the act of a criminal mastermind." She remanded the pair on continuing bail until next February for them to pay the charitable donations.
Defendant
Charges: the theft of clothing valued at €1,782.35 from Tesco Extra at Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan on October 25th (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Grainne O'Neill said she is not sure she can accept that it was a spur of the moment act. "The amount is of concern," said Judge O'Neill, "I am not sure if I can accept it was a spur of the moment act but I do accept that it was not the act of a criminal mastermind." She remanded the pair on continuing bail until next February for them to pay the charitable donations.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Theft
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