Courts / Dublin / Report

'One more time and it's jail' - judge warns mother following seventh theft conviction

Summary

A woman, Elisabeta Silaghi, who has 21 previous convictions, including six for theft, was warned by a judge that she would be sent to prison 'for as long as I can' if she reoffended. Silaghi pleaded guilty to stealing €885 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores. The judge noted that this was Silaghi's seventh theft conviction and that her last theft conviction resulted in a fine. Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, the judge placed Silaghi on a probation bond. Silaghi was directed to notify the Probation Service of any change of address or phone number. The judge warned the defendant that she had been given a final opportunity to avoid prison, saying, 'One more time and it's jail.' Silaghi is raising her five-year-old child alone, is unemployed and reliant on social welfare. David Nally BL, defending, said his client was pleading guilty, was very apologetic and had accepted responsibility for her actions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'One more time and it's jail' - judge warns mother following seventh theft conviction. Charges or matters: the theft offence at Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt, Dublin 18, on 20 December, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 20 December Incident
• 2026-06-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report