Woman who stole christening dress from Kilkenny store identified on CCTV

Stealing items of clothing, including a christening dress, from a Kilkenny city centre shop has resulted in a community service order for one woman.

Mary Carthy, 6A Key Court, New Building Lane, Kilkenny, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft from Guiney’s on John Street, on March 14, 2026.

On March 15 gardaí received a report from the shop that the day before, at approximately 3.51pm, a lady entered the premises and put several items of clothing in a bag, before leaving without paying. Among the items were two polo shirts, a cardigan and a christening dress. The items were valued at €94.98.

Ms Carthy was identified from CCTV.

The court heard she had 18 previous convictions.

Solicitor Chris Hogan said his client had asked him to apologise to the court.

There was ‘a certain level of pressure’ on his client, he said.

Ms Carthy had hoped to offer compensation to the court but could not due to limited means. Her husband and son are in prison and she is trying to support them the best she can, Mr Hogan said.

His client was prepared to do community service, Mr Hogan said.

Following an assessment by the Probation Service, Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Ms Carthy and ordered her to carry out a Community Service Order of 150 hours in lieu of five months imprisonment.