Three people caught with stolen clothes in Louth given more time to make donations

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Three people found by gardaí in a vehicle with stolen clothing have been given more time to make charitable donations.

Last March at Drogheda Court, Melissa Keenan (27), Blacklion Campsite, Maynooth, Co. Kildare; Bernadette Lawrence (27), of the same address; and Joseph McDonnell (25), Prospect Woods, Longford; each admitted possession of stolen property valued €500 at Donore Road, Drogheda, on August 15, 2023.

Evidence was given that gardaí spotted a suspicious parked vehicle. They saw three people behind the seats arranging branded clothing which was on hangers and had tags attached. The property came from JD Sports and Sports Direct.

Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that Ms Keenan was a single mother of one and had been in a difficult financial situation.

Ms Lawrence had no children and was a full-time carer for her partner, the other defendant, Mr McDonnell.

On that occasion, Judge Nicola Andrews remanded the trio on continuing bail to May 12 for a €500 donation each to the court fund.

The case was back before the court on September 8 when Judge Stephanie Coggans heard that the money was still not available.

Counsel for one of the defendants admitted that the matter was going on for some time.

Judge Coggans noted that the offence occurred in 2023 and said that the case would be finalised the next day.

The defendants were remanded on continuing bail to December 15 for payment of the money.