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'Shoes on her mind' - Judge rejects thief's claim she was distracted by funeral arrangements
Summary
A judge has warned a pregnant woman that she will face jail if she steals again, after rejecting her claim that she was distracted by funeral arrangements following the death of her father-in-law. Emma Baker (33), of Heather Lawn, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, pleaded guilty to stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre. Defending counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told Dún Laoghaire District Court that the offences occurred on August 12, 2025, the same day Baker learned that her father-in-law had died. Judge Anne Watkin responded: "And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes?" Mr O'Brien said Baker had funeral arrangements on her mind at the time. The judge replied: "She didn't have only funeral arrangements on her mind. She had a pair of shoes on her mind." Mr O'Brien said Baker had no issues with drugs or alcohol, was unemployed and was heavily pregnant.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Shoes on her mind' - Judge rejects thief's claim she was distracted by funeral arrangements. Charges or matters: stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- August 12, 2025 Incident
- 2026-06-18 Publication
Why: Judge Anne Watkin responded: "And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes? CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft
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