Suspended prison sentence for young Offaly woman on theft charges
A 19-YEAR-OLD woman who appeared on charges of theft at Tullamore District Court had received the benefit of the probation act a month earlier.
Lorraine Harty, Cappaneale, Birr, was charged with stealing items from a number of supermarkets in Birr.
On May 23, 2023 she took alcohol from Lidl, to the value of €35. On August 18, 2023 she stole Red Bull valued at €20 from Supervalu, Birr. On August 15 last she stole Red Bull and crisps to the value of € 37.63 from Supervalu. On August 10 this year she entered Dunnes Stores, Church Road, Tullamore and stole two dressing gowns valued at €36. She was stopped by two security guards.
Ms Harty had received the probation act in July for other offences.
Solicitor Patrick Martin described Ms Harty as a 19-year-old single woman. He said she has just started a course and is on social welfare. He said she wishes to compensate the injured parties and apologises. She doesn't know how it came about, he said.
Judge Andrew Cody noted that just two weeks prior to the offences she had been given the benefit of the probation act. Mr Martin said she was very sorry and it wouldn't happen again.
Judge Cody imposed three months in prison for each of the offences which he suspended for two years on her own bond of €100.