Stolen cosmetics ‘for sale’ on Facebook
A number of cosmetic items that were stolen from a pharmacy in Sligo appeared to be for sale in hampers on a Facebook page belonging to one of the defendants charged with theft, Sligo Court heard. Marie Ward (34) of Glendallon, Ballytivnan, and Geraldine Ward (27) of The Woodlands, Ballytivnan both appeared at Sligo District Court on Thursday charged with stealing foundations, bronzers, powders, eye shadow palettes, brushes, mascara and sprays totalling €772 from Cara Pharmacy Quayside on July 18th 2018. Geraldine Ward was also charged with theft of children’s shoes (€16.99) and a phone cover (€16.99) from TK Maxx on August 29 th 2018. Marie Ward was further charged with theft of cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries (€189.46) from Chemco Pharmacy, Cranmore Road, on July 5 th 2018.
Investigating Garda Joe Evans told the court that the shoplifting of cosmetics is a problem in Sligo. Geraldine Ward had no previous convictions while Marie Ward had one for theft. Mr Mark Mullaney (solictor for Geraldine Ward) told the court it appeared while his client was complicit she was not the person who stole the items. Judge Kevin Kilrane adjourned her matter until June 2019 and told her imprisonment will be considered if she reoffends.
In the case of Marie Ward, defending solicitor Ms Laura Spellman told the judge her client instructs if the court gives her time that she can come to court with some money.
The judge replied that he was thinking about time but not the time the defendant was referring to.
Garda Evans said he found a Facebook page called Marie’s Selling Page online selling hampers and when he searched the defendant’s house the furniture, layout and decor matched with photographs posted on the site selling hampers. He produced the photographs in court.
Ms Ward denied she was selling the hampers and instead was giving them to people.
She told the judge she took the makeup for no reason but denied she was selling it.
Judge Kilrane fined her €55 for the theft charge on July 5 th 2018 from Chemco Pharmacy and adjourned the other matter until June 2019 with liberty to re-enter.
The defendant told Judge Kilrane she was training to be a Public Health Care worker and that she has changed her ways. “We’ ll see,” the judge replied.