€2,000 legal aid bill for €120 theft case

Around €2,000 in legal aid was spent in a case where a woman pleaded guilty to stealing €120 worth of goods on a tenth court date. 

Chloe Martin, 25, with an address at 23 Rheban, Manor Avenue, Athy, Co Kildare admitted stealing tan and mouse valued at €40 from Dunnes Stores in the Kyle Shopping Centre, Portlaoise on September 24, 2021. She also admitted stealing goods valued at €79.59 from Tesco in Portlaoise on October 25, 2021. 

Garda Sergeant Micheal Tarpey said the property was recovered from the Tesco theft but the property wasn’t recovered from the Dunnes Stores theft. He said the woman had three previous convictions for theft. 

“This matter has been in court ten times, for somebody who made pleas,” said Judge Andrew Cody. 

“How much is that costing?” he asked the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

“Somewhere in the region of €2,000 in legal aid,” he said. 

Aine Rushe BL said her client had been struggling with addiction. 

“She said she is currently on a waiting list to attend residential treatment,” she said.

She said the woman had apologised when interviewed by gardai. 

Judge Cody said the court had to issue three bench warrants for the woman. 

“She just doesn’t give a curse about this court,” he said.

“Ten times in court, €2,000 in legal aid. Time wasting of the highest order,” said Judge Cody. 

Ms Rushe said her client had cleaned herself up and was attending counselling. 

Judge Cody imposed a three month sentence which he suspended for three years. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.