Probationafter powdertheft

A woman who stole washing powder, along with a number of other items from a recently opened store in Dundalk has been placed on a probation bond for six months.

Lorraine Myles, (37), 185 Waterville Crescent, Tom Bellew Avenue, admitted, at an earlier sitting of the district court, stealing from Mr Price on the Ramparts on July 26. Gardai said that Myles was seen with two other women going into the shop where a number of items were placed into a pram including shampoo, air freshener and a love heart duvet cover.

At the till, Myles paid for a Polly Pocket and as she was leaving, she picked up a packet of Fairy non bio and walked out. The total value of the stolen items was €31.75.

Solicitor Peter Lavery said his client, who has 35 previous convictions, had suffered from addiction problems but she is dealing with them and hasn’t come to Garda attention in some time.

Mr Lavery said Myles ‘ had a black out on the day and doesn’t really remember what happened’. Compensation, in full, had been paid. The case had been adjourned to last week for a probation report, which, Mr Lavery said, was positive. Judge Brennan said he would do what the probation service recommended and placed Myles on a six month bond.

He said: ‘ You seem to be doing reasonable well’. The conditions of the bond are that she keeps all probation appointments, engages with addiction services and not to commit any offences.

Solicitor Conor MacGuill said his client is completing an apprenticeship and wants to get work and travel when he is finished. On the night, he was ‘extremely drunk on the night after leaving a function somewhat late’. Nevin is ‘willing to make a contribution to the court poor box if he was given some time’.

Judge Brennan adjourned the case to last week to allow Nevin time to come up with money for the court poor box. However, Mr MacGuill said it was regrettable the defendant had turned up without the donation and explained Nevin had lost his job since the last court appearance.

Mr MacGuill said he’d had ‘a frank discussion’ with his client and asked the judge to adjourn the case to March 1 when the cash will be in court. Judge Brennan adjourned the matter to this day week. he was on crutches ‘even though he knew he was banned and he understands that he is at risk today’. Judge Brennan imposed 240 hours instead of a six month sentence.