Pensioner stole kettle and dog food from Laois shop

A pensioner admitted stealing dog food and a kettle from a shop in Mountmellick. 

Ann Cawley (70) of 1 Derrycloney, Mountmellick, was accused of stealing a kettle valued at €30 from Supervalu, Mountmellick on January 5 and a 12 pack of dog food valued at €7.50 from the same store on February 13, 2026.  

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was electing for the district court on a guilty plea.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the woman walked into the shop and picked up the kettle before walking past all points of payment before leaving. He said the woman also took the dog food and left without paying. The court heard she has no previous convictions. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said she had a receipt from the shop to prove the woman had repaid €37.50. 

She said the woman was being supported by her daughter in court. 

Judge Susan Fay noted “she had a big birthday last week” and said as she had reimbursed the shop and had no previous conviction she would apply the probation act. She granted legal aid at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.