Mother, daughter admit shoplifting

A mother and daughter have appeared in court each charged with one count of theft.

Rose McGinley (44), 38 Saltown, Dundalk and Melissa McGinley (21), of the same address, pleaded guilty to taking property worth €153.30 from Penney’s in the Marshes shopping centre on 7 May last.

Inspector Liam Archbold gave evidence that security staff had detained three shoplifters, after items had been placed in a bag before the defendants left without paying. The goods were recovered in a saleable condition.

The district court heard Rose McGinley has previous convictions for road traffic matters and theft. Melissa McGinley has no previous convictions.

A letter from Melissa McGinley was handed into Judge John Cheatle.

Her counsel put what happened on this occasion down to ‘a moment of madness’. She was going through a tough time following the break-up of a difficult relationship. She was unemployed and helped out at home.

The barrister continued that Rose McGinley has been a single mother of five since she was aged 30, and still had two dependent children.

She went through ‘a number of chaotic years’ but had got a house five or six months ago, and her life had settled down.

The defendant has a serious heart condition and a custodial sentence would have an adverse impact on her.

In Rose McGinley’s case, the judge applied the probation act.

He said he would leave Melissa without a conviction if she paid €100 to St Vincent de Paul by 27 November next.

Legal aid was granted to each defendant.