Woman who recently gave birth appears in Kildare court from prison

A woman who appeared before Naas District Court, via videolink, in connection with theft offences recently gave birth.

The court heard that Rebecca Gill, 30, whose address was given as no fixed abode and who previously had an address in Naas, was in custody on other offences.

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She was prosecuted for a number of theft offences on two dates in July and four dates in August including the theft of a handbag worth €47 from TK Maxx, Newbridge, and some €800 worth of toiletries from the Boots store in Whitewater, Newbridge.

The offences included the theft of groceries valued at €100 and €12 from SuperValu and Dunnes Stores.

The court was told that none of the property was recovered.

The court also heard that the defendant gave birth in an ambulance.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said the defendant was anxious to have her case dealt with because she wants to have the offences to “run in with” the term she is already serving.

He said the defendant has had three children and added she was due to remain in custody until next January.

He also said that an application would be made on her behalf for compassionate bail at a future date.

Sgt Tom O’Donoghue told the court that the defendant was identified from CCTV images.

The defendant has 53 previous convictions, mostly for theft.

Judge Desmond Zaidan commented that the case was tragic “not so much for her as for her baby.”

He said the defendant is the product of a failed system in Ireland because she should be compelled to attend an addiction treatment centre rather than prison.

He said he knew the defendant for a number of years and “she has gotten worse.” He added: “Take the drugs away and she’s not a bad person.”

He imposed a custody term of 7 months on the toiletries theft and took the other allegations into consideration.