Shoplifter fell into substance use after personal trauma, court hears
A shoplifter who passed a sports top and leggings to a friend and tried to walk out of a shop with the items was “under the influence” at the time, a court has heard.
Stephanie Wolverson (36) was deeply ashamed of her behaviour, and was awaiting a bed in a treatment centre.
Judge Derek Cooney ordered Wolverson to donate €100 to Little Blue Heroes and said he would strike out the charge.
The defendant, with an address at Swans Nest Avenue, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, admitted stealing clothing, worth €100, from Elverys in the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on August 29, 2025.
Sergeant Janice Gray told Swords District Court that Wolverson placed a sports top and leggings in a bag and handed them over to a friend.
They walked past all points of payment but were stopped by security staff.
Defence lawyer Annette Kealy said Wolverson had fallen into using substances as she tried to deal with trauma in her life.
Ms Kealy asked the judge to be lenient, saying Wolverson was trying to address her issues.
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