Woman travelled from Dublin to Midlands to rob
Stole more €360 worth of goods from Dealz
A woman stole nearly €360 worth of goods from the Dealz discount shop in Tullamore after travelling to the Midlands town from Dublin.
Tullamore District Court was told that Ann Maughan, aged 58, of 7, Kilkieran Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, entered the Cloncollig store on January 29, 2023, and stole domestic and household items was €358.56. Nothing was recovered.
Ann Maughan had 15 previous convictions. In 2017 she had received a suspended prison sentence to Mountjoy for two counts of theft. In May 2017 she was fined €150 for threatening and abusive behaviour. She also had a previous conviction under the Child Care Act in relation to begging. In addition, she had previously received 14 hours of community service for begging offences.
Solicitor Patrick Martin described Ms Maughan had lost two of her brothers before this incident. He said there were other people involved and she had been led by them. She had €200 with her in court. Judge Cody said the items were worth €358. Her daughter who accompanied Ms Maughan produced more money.
Judge Cody remarked at how quickly the money could be produced. "She had the exact sum,'' he said.
He said she had come to Tullamore to rob and had no other excuse to be here. He imposed a six-month prison sentence which he suspended for three years on her own bond of €100.
The judge initially refused an application for legal aid. However, Patrick Martin said Ms Maughan was not working and had dealt with the offence at the earliest opportunity.
Granting legal aid Judge Cody said if she appeared in court again she would serve her sentence.