Woman stole from store three weeks after being in court

A woman who stole clothes from a store just three weeks after she had appeared in court on a similar offence was ordered by Judge Kevin Kilrane at Sligo District Court to stay out of all shopping centres in Sligo.

Before the court last Thursday was Kathleen Ward of Station Road, Ballyshannon who admitted stealing clothes worth €29 from NEXT, Quayside Shopping Centre on May 23rd last.

The court heard that on May 4 th she had appeared at Ballyshannon District Court where she had a charge under the Theft Act taken into consideration while she also received 240 hours of community service. On October 3rd 2014 she was fined €50 for theft.

Judge Kilrane noted that the defendant “was at it again” soon after her appearance at Ballyshannon Court.

The Judge asked the defendant, who was represented by Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor, why she shouldn’t go to prison. “I’m really sorry,” she replied.

“Forget about being sorry, we have heard all that before” - Judge. He asked her why she was stealing.

“Have you a problem?” the Judge asked.

“Is it basically that you are a thief ?” - Judge.

“Yes” replied the defendant who asked that she be given a chance. “You’ ll not see me again,” she said.

Ward was remanded on bail to May 30 th and it was made a condition of her bail that she stay out of all shopping centres in Sligo.

She was warned she would go to prison if she breached her bail condition.