‘Lost house key’: Longford woman accused of theft spent compensation money on locksmith

Helen Nevin of 53 Lana Aoibheann, St Michael’s Road, Longford, has been remanded on continuing bail to appear before Longford District Court on March 3 and to come up with compensation for the supermarket she stole from. 

Ms Nevin was originally charged on five counts of theft, the prosecuting Garda for which is Allan Doherty of Longford Garda Station. 

The charges against her alleged that she stole alcohol on five separate dates from SuperValu in the Hazelwood Shopping Centre in Longford town. 

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Ms Nevin was charged with having stolen alcohol valued at €12 on both March 24 and 25 last year, alcohol worth €16 on March 29; alcohol valued at €35 on April 6 and lastly, alcohol worth €60.45 on July 10. 

Ms Nevin was also charged for “intoxication and threatening abusive behaviour” at Connacht Park, Richmond Street on May 1 last year.  

The court heard that Ms Nevin has 58 previous convictions, the most recent of which was from July 8 last for public order. 

In representing the accused, solicitor Diarmuid Quinn pointed out it was worth noting she had not come to the attention of authorities in the intervening period. 

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Mr Quinn explained, “Thankfully she has kept out of trouble in the meantime and over the Christmas period. Helen was to come to court with compensation for SuperValu but doesn’t have it.”  

“Why not?” asked Judge Bernadette Owens. 

“She lost the key to her house, had to get a locksmith and spent her money on that. She will have the money tomorrow but unfortunately she doesn’t have it today. She does want to get it together.” 

Mr Quinn added that his client was also engaging with Merchant’s Quay, an organisation that provides support for those affected by homelessness and addiction, and provided the court with a letter from a member of the organisation. 

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Judge Bernadette Owens remanded Ms Nevin to the March 3 sitting of the district court to give her sufficient time to come up with the compensation.