6 days ago
Shoplifting pals handed themselves in after being featured on ‘Crimecall' stealing €1.6k groceries
Caroline Collins (27) and Nellie Collins (29) filled a shopping trolley with goods and walked out of a Tesco without paying, a court heard
Two friends who stole €1,600 worth of groceries from a supermarket handed themselves in to gardaí when they saw the theft featured on RTÉ's Crimecall.
Caroline Collins (27) and Nellie Collins (29) filled a shopping trolley with goods and walked out of a Tesco without paying, a court heard.
Judge Aine Clancy said she would spare them criminal convictions if they paid compensation to the shop.
The accused, both with addresses at Cara Park, Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Blanchardstown District Court to theft.
Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the accused entered a Tesco in Adamstown, Lucan, on January 3, 2024, put €1,600 worth of assorted groceries into a trolley and then passed all points of payment.
The incident was captured on camera and subsequently featured on RTÉ's Crimecall programme, Sgt Callaghan said.
Nellie Collins, charged with theft.
The pair handed themselves in to Coolock garda station, where they were arrested and charged but the property was not recovered.
Caroline Collins, who was from a Traveller background, was having difficulties at the time and was 'racking up debts', her solicitor Simon Fleming said.
She had since got a job and was now working as a healthcare assistant after getting a diploma, the court heard.
'She came forward when she saw the photos' on Crimecall, Mr Fleming said.
Caroline Collins would lose her employment if a conviction was recorded against her, he said, asking the judge for leniency.
The court heard the circumstances were similar for the co-accused, Nellie Collins.
Judge Clancy asked if the accused were related to each other and Mr Fleming said the two women were friends.
The judge said it was a 'very serious theft' and said the quantity of groceries taken was 'a lot' but she would strike the case out, leaving both accused without criminal records if they made 'full restitution' of the €1,600 between them.
However, she said she would convict them and fine them €800 each in default.
The accused were remanded on continuing bail to appear in court again on a date in November.
The court heard free legal aid had been granted.
Caroline Collins, charged with theft.
News in 90 June 4th
