Woman opts to have case heard in Longford Circuit Court

A woman accused of theft and assault elected to have the charges against her heard in the Circuit Court.

Kathleen Delaney (48) of 3 Cuirt An Oir, Killashee St, Longford faced charges of theft of goods valued at €89.72 and an assault on Fergus Mooney on February 5, 2022. It's alleged by the prosecution that the offences happened at SuperValu, Longford.

The defendant indicated she will be pleading not guilty to the charges and elected to have the matter heard in the Circuit Court.

The District Court deals with criminal matters by way of non-jury trials of minor offences. Criminal matters that come before the Circuit Court are what are called “indictable” or serious offences with the exception of murder, rape, aggravated sexual assault, treason and piracy.

For the most part criminal trials in the Circuit Criminal Court will be heard by a judge and jury although an accused can plead guilty and dispense with a trial.

The penalties if convicted in the Circuit Court are much higher than in the District Court.

Judge Bernadette Owens remanded the defendant on continuing bail to May 16 to allow time for the Director of Public Prosecution to give consent to have the matter sent forward for trial.