Tipperary judge asks if shoplifter would be able to pack store shelves as retribution

A lack of lorry drivers the main cause for empty shop shelves, Alliance Councillor Philip McKinney has said.

placeholder image — A lack of lorry drivers the main cause for empty shop shelves, Alliance Councillor Philip McKinney has said.

A woman who stole goods from a supermarket in Nenagh was asked if it were possible to stack shelves in the store by the judge as part of her punishment.

The court heard that Shannon McCormack, 20, of 7 Castlecranna, Carrigatoher, Nenagh, took €135.50 worth of goods from Tesco, Nenagh, on July 7, 2020, without paying for them. The goods were never recovered.

Her solicitor Johnny Spencer said his client did not have money in court to pay full compensation.

Ms McCormack had no previous convictions and he asked that she be considered for the Restorative Justice Scheme.

Judge Alan Mitchell said he was not familiar with the scheme and asked if it would mean the defendant would be asked to do something like pack shelves for Tesco as a way of making recompense for her offence.

Sgt Regina McCarthy said that those involved in administering the scheme would decide a way that the defendant could give something back to the community.

The judge adjourned the case to May 19 for compensation to be paid and to see if the defendant was suitable to participate in the scheme.