Student stole from four stores in Louth shopping centre on same day
A 19-year-old student targeted four shops for theft on the same day in Dundalk’s Marshes Shopping Centre, the district court has heard.
Bethel Dopamu, Manorfields Green, Clonee, Dublin 15, who has no previous convictions and is studying at DkIT, pleaded guilty to four charges.
It was stated on her behalf that what occurred was out of character, while the offending prompted Judge Stephanie Coggans to remark, “I don’t know what happened here.”
Evidence was given that on March 26 last, Ms Dopamu picked up a suitcase in Penneys and filled it with clothing.
She was detained until gardaí arrived. It was discovered that she had brought in a separate bag which contained property stolen earlier from three different Marshes premises.
The haul amounted to €217.25 from Penneys; €138.48 cosmetics, Boots; €48.96 groceries, Dunnes Stores and stationery worth €21.95 which had been swiped in Eason’s.
All of the items were returned in a saleable condition.
Court presenter Sgt Richie Browne explained that had the thefts occurred in the same shop, the defendant would have been eligible for an adult caution.
Barrister Eoghan Fagan said this was of great concern to his client’s parents who were in attendance. She had attended her GP.
It was out of character for the Pharmaceutical Science student on whose behalf references had been supplied.
“I don’t know what happened here. Hopefully, it will never be repeated,” said Judge Coggans.
The charges were struck out after €350 was donated to North Louth Hospice.