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Judge says shoplifter's 'Gaza' excuse 'an abuse of people who are suffering'

Summary

Clodagh Byrne, 32, of Castlederg, pleaded guilty to theft at Marks & Spencer in Dublin on 24 July. She admitted taking items worth €223.70, claiming she acted in a "moment of madness" after seeing images of suffering in Gaza. Byrne said she believed the store was funding genocide and supporting Zionists, and that her theft was a reaction to those scenes. Judge Anne Watkin rejected this as an abuse of people suffering, stating it was not a valid excuse for shoplifting. The judge suggested Byrne avoid the store if she felt that way and questioned her self‑employment as a therapist. Byrne was fined €500, with a six‑month payment period. The case was heard under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. The court did not impose any custodial sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge says shoplifter's 'Gaza' excuse 'an abuse of people who are suffering'. Charges or matters: theft on July 24 last. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• July 24 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-07-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Charge Or Pretrial Theft

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Read the original CNI report