Theft case dismissed over CCTV evidence

A WOMAN accused of theft had her case dismissed as CCTV evidence left doubt regarding the alleged incident.

Karen O’Callaghan (48), 10 Hazelwood, Bray, appeared in Bray District Court last Thursday.

Garda Brian Saunderson told the court that he took a report from the security manager at SuperValu, Castle Street, Bray, on Sunday, July 31, 2016.

The court heard that Ms O’Callaghan was accused of taking three bottles of cider to the value of €20.31 on July 13, 2016.

Security Manager Wayne Hawkins told the court that he noticed later that the bottles were gone. The matter was reported to gardaí.

The court heard that O’Callaghan was identified on CCTV. Judge David Kennedy viewed the CCTV evidence. He said that there were gaps in the times on the footage.

‘ There is no continuity between her putting the bottles into the bag and walking out,’ said the judge. ‘It has to be beyond all reasonable doubt.

As well as raising that point, solicitor Joe Maguire submitted that the state had not given sufficient evidence of ownership.