Theft of groceries from Longford store captured on CCTV

A young mother of two with 19 previous convictions was fined €150 at Longford District Court for the theft of €160 worth of groceries.

Winnie Joyce (23) of 17 Hazelwood, Coosan, Athlone, Westmeath was charged with the theft of goods to value of €160.40 from Iceland Supermarket, Longford Retail Park on November 11, 2021.

Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined the details of the case, telling how Garda responded to a call regarding a theft incident at the store. CCTV footage was reviewed showing a female putting items into a carrier bag and leaving the store.

The defendant was identified from the video. The defendant was cautioned, but made no admission. Sgt Mahon stated that Ms Joyce had 19 previous convictions, 17 for theft and received probation for six of those offences.

Solicitor for Ms Joyce, Ms Macken, said her client only saw the CCTV on the day of the court sitting.

Ms Macken said the defendant is a married mother of two children and asked the court to note that the stolen items were groceries and not luxuries.

The defendant brought €50 in compensation in court, which Judge Bernadette Owens directed to be paid to the charity Cian's Kennels.

The judge registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €150.