Longford mother's shoplifting were ‘two moments of madness’, court is told

Lisa Mulligan (39) of 6 Inny Court, Ballymahon, Longford was before Longford District Court in respect of the offences.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the charges related to incidents on February 1 and 3, 2023 at SuperValu, Townspark Longford. On February 1 Ms Mulligan entered SuperValu and stole two packs of Maltesers and steak to the value of €21.09.

Two days later she entered the store and took Maltesers and two Starbucks coffee worth €9.90, put the items in her bag, paid for other items then passed all points of payment. Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said the defendant brought €30 to court in compensation for the injured party. Ms Mimnagh said it was “an unusual case” and her client who was never in trouble before had “a moment of madness”.

Judge Owens interjected: “It was, in fact, two moments of madness on two separate days.”

Ms Mimnagh said Ms Mulligan was very apologetic. The legal representative pointed out that the parent of one child works part time and has no previous convictions, adding: “She doesn't know what came over her.”

Noting that the incidents were very recent the judge said she would put the case back to see if the defendant came to further Garda attention: “If there are no further incidents I will consider what course of action to take. For now I think a conviction for theft may be disproportionate.”

Judge Owens then adjourned the matter to September 19, 2023.