Longford woman receives suspended sentence for theft from local store

A defendant who has “got her life together and is doing well” was given a suspended four month prison sentence at Longford District Court.

Kathleen Delaney (48) of 10 Weavers Hall, Market Square, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens on two charges. Ms Delaney was charged with the theft of groceries to the value of €75.50 on October 5, 2022 from Dealz, Market Square, Longford and of assaulting Fergus Mooney at SuperValu Townspark Longford on February 5, 2022.

In respect of the theft charge Sergeant Enda Daly said the defendant left the discount store without paying for the items, but that the goods were recovered in a saleable condition.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said Ms Delaney was “in a difficult situation”. She said the mother of two, lost one of her sons 13 months ago. Since this the defendant has endeavoured to “get her life in order” and recently got to see her deceased son's children.

Ms Mimnagh said her client is not working and has been on disability “for a considerable length of time”.

Acknowledging that the defendant has a “significant number of previous conviction” Ms Mimnagh said her client has “got her life together and is doing well”.

Judge Owens noted the defendant has 20 previous convictions for theft. The judge registered a conviction and imposed a sentence of four month in prison, but suspended it for a period of 12 months.

The assault charge will be dealt with on June 11 next.