Judge wonders how Louth pharmacy regularly targeted by shoplifters continues to operate

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A judge has questioned how a Drogheda chemist is able to operate so often is it hit by shoplifters.

Judge Nicola Andrews remarked at the district court that people are continually charged with theft offences at Hickey’s in West Street “which is there to serve the community”.

She was speaking after handing suspended sentences to Kathleen McDonagh (54), conditions of which include that the defendant stays out of Hickey’s; Centra in Ballsgrove, Drogheda; the M1 Retail Park, Drogheda, and all Tesco branches in Louth.

The defendant, of Oldbridge, Slane Road, Drogheda, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft charges from separate incidents between November, 2023, and last February.

Evidence was presented that she took €100 clothes from Sports Direct, M1 Retail Park; 4 bottles of perfume from Hickey’s which she hid in her pockets; €50 goods from Centra, Ballsgrove; property valued €792.48 at Tesco Extra, Stapleton Drive, Dundalk, and €101.96 worth at Chemist Warehouse, M1 Retail Park.

The court was told that on four occasions she targeted Tesco Extra, Donore Road, Drogheda. The total loss there was €433.

Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that Ms McDonagh has four daughters. She recently lost her husband.

She has been engaging with Turas Counselling Service, while obtaining housing has been a new avenue for her in terms of a more pro-social lifestyle.

Judge Andrews imposed a six-month sentence for theft of €98 clothes at Tesco Extra, Donore Road on November 14, consecutive to six months for theft of €89 clothes at the same store four days later, both sentences conditionally suspended for 12 months.

The defendant was warned that if she took new charges sheets the court would trigger those sentences.