Woman (51) who stole from shopping centre 'didn't know what came over her', court hears
A woman who stole almost €1,000 worth of groceries and clothing from stores at The Square Shopping Centre in separate incidences said she “didn’t know what came over her,” a court has heard.
Maria Moldovan (51) of Fairview Close, Richmond Avenue, Dublin 3, pleaded guilty to stealing groceries worth €610 from Dunnes Stores on 7 February last, and clothing worth €300 from Penneys on 3 May, 2024.
Tallaght District Court heard that security staff stopped Ms Moldovan after seeing her place items into bags and leave without paying.
Gardaí arrested her at the scene and she was brought to Tallaght Garda station. The court heard that the items were recovered in re-saleable condition.
The court heard that Ms Moldovan, who is originally from Romania, has lived in Ireland for ten years and has no previous convictions. An interpreter was requested to assist her during the proceedings.
Her solicitor, Eddie O’Connor, said his client had cooperated fully with staff and gardaí, adding that she “didn’t know what came over her”.
Judge Peter White noted that while Ms Moldovan was at a mature stage in life and had no previous convictions, the offences involved two separate incidents.
He ordered a probation report and adjourned the case to 9 January, 2026 for sentencing.