6 days ago
Woman (22) convicted of shoplifting spree ‘looks like she couldn't care less'
'You must pay before you leave a shop. It's a simple concept,' the judge said.
A 22-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to shoplifting offences has received a suspended sentence.
Sharon McDonagh, with an address at the time at Cluskey's Accommodation Centre, Carrick Road, Dundalk, was sentenced to six months, suspended for two years, on one of the theft charges.
Evidence was heard that two females entered a Centra in Dundalk and took three cans of Red Bull and a hairbrush, total value €10.95.
The defendant was among three women who went into a Centra shop in Drogheda and removed groceries worth €149, while she was with a male and two other women who stole property valued €675 at TK Maxx in Drogheda. In this instance, €450-worth was recovered.
All of the offending occurred last September.
There were previous convictions, including for theft.
Judge Nicola Andrews remarked that community service orders don't seem to have had an effect.
Solicitor Paula Tiernan said that Ms McDonagh had a troubled family background. She had been homeless for a time before her mother secured accommodation for the family.
She had engaged with services to deal with anger management.
Stock photo: Getty
News in 90 Seconds - May 31st
'You must pay before you leave a shop. It's a simple concept,' the judge said.
The suspended sentence was marked on the TK Maxx charge with the others taken into consideration.
Looking at Ms McDonagh, Judge Andrews remarked: 'You're kind of sick and tired hanging around here. I get all that.
'Your solicitor will explain the reality to you.'
The judge continued that 'it looks like she couldn't care less'.
