A woman who stole more than €260 worth of alcohol from a shop in Letterkenny has appeared in court.
Elzbieta Baran, a 55-year-old from Highfield, Loughnagin, Letterkenny, was before Letterkenny District Court.
The court heard that Baran entered Sweeney’s Spar Express, Ballyraine, Letterkenny on a date unknown between January 19, 2023 and February 2, 2023 and stole two bottles of Jack Daniels and a bottle of vodka, with a total value of €96.
On February 2, 2023, Baran stole a bottle of Jack Daniels valued at €48 while on February 5, 2023 she stole a bottle of Jack Daniels and bottles of vodka to the value of €120.
On each occasion, Baran placed the items into a rucksack and left the premises.
Baran indicated that she wished the matters to be dealt with in the District Court and tendered a guilty plea to each charge.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Baran was interviewed after being identified and was ‘fully apologetic’. The items stolen were not recovered.
Baran’s daughter was present in court to translate proceedings.
Solicitor for Baran, Mr Rory O’Brien, said this was a very sad case.
“She has had a difficulty that has been ongoing for some time now,” Mr O’Brien said. “She was working in a hotel and she was diagnosed with an illness that has required various treatments.
“She is a lady crying out for help. She does not have the tools or the resources and perhaps the Probation Service may be suitable.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was keen to allow Baran a platform to get the right direction.
Judge Cunningham directed that a probation and welfare report be provided and adjourned the matter until October 16, 2023.
Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.