Court told woman stole from Ballyshannon shop due to difficulties in her life
Judge responds: ‘Dealing with losses like that has a huge impact on small businesses’
A woman who pleaded guilty to theft of cleaning products from a Ballyshanon service station was going through psychological and financial difficulties, her solicitor told the court.
Mary Ward, 27, of 33 Lawn Park, Ballyshannon was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, January 3. She admitted theft of household items to the value of €25 at Straddle Filling Station, Cloghore, Ballyshannon on June 14, 2022.
Inspector Anthony Coyle told the court that at 7.40pm, the defendant entered from the rear of the store, obtained a number of cleaning products, and left without paying.
“The cleaning products were to the value of €25,” said the inspector, adding that the goods had not been recovered but there was compensation in court.
The inspector told the court that Ward had 21 previous convictions of which 15 were for theft. The most recent theft conviction was in 2019.
Ward was represented in court by solicitor Gerry McGovern. He said that his client was a mother of four who had been going through a difficult family break up at the time.
“It caused great psychological difficulties and financial difficulties,” said Mr McGovern.
“She resorted at the time to taking goods and not paying for them. It was where she found herself at the time in life.
“She assures me that it is in the past. Her relationship is back on track. Her husband has returned from abroad to support her.
“I ask you to take her at her word. She assures me that you won’t see her in court again.”
Judge Sandra Murphy said the previous convictions told their own story, and such thefts were very challenging for shops and filling stations.
“Dealing with losses like that has a huge impact on small businesses,” said the judge. “I take this very seriously.”
However, the judge acknowledged that there had been no convictions since 2019.
“I am taking into account that she is a young lady who has children to support,” said Judge Murphy.
“I am also taking into account that compensation is in court.
“I don’t want to see her going down the road of ending up in prison. But if it happens again, it will be a different kettle of fish.”The judge imposed a conviction and fine of €250.
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