Woman fined for stealing children's clothing in Longford
A mother of four who stole clothes for her children before bringing them on holiday had matters finalised at Longford District Court.
Lisa Nevin (35) of 201 Dalton Park, Mullingar was charged with the theft of property to the value of €51.50 from Dealz, Market Square, Longford on July 16, 2022. The defendant brought €52 to Longford District Court in compensation for the injured party.
Inspector Frank Finn said the incident was recorded on CCTV showing the defendant taking clothing items from the store. The items, children's clothing, were not not recovered.
The defendant's solicitor, Brid Mimnagh, said her client had been in an abusive relationship. She made arrangements to meet up with the father of her four children, all under the age of 12, to get money to take them on a holiday to Bettystown.
When the children's father said he had no money for her, Ms Nevin felt “forced” to take the clothes for her children. Ms Mimnagh suggested her client's partner was aggressive towards her and being unable to afford the items she 'took matters into her own hands'.
Judge Bernadette Owens noted the defendant had convictions in Mullingar District Court at around the same time as the theft.
Ms Mimnagh said her client was 'going through a difficult time'.
Ms Nevin said she was “never like this” adding: “This is not in my character. I'm not like this.”
Judge Owens warned the defendant: “You are going to run out of road shortly.”
The judge imposed a fine of €150, giving Nevin five months to pay.