A woman has pleaded guilty to stealing almost over €280 worth of clothes from shops in Letterkenny.
Martina Cassidy appeared before Letterkenny District Court, where she pleaded guilty to three incidents of theft from River Island and H&M.
A probation report has been sought for the 56-year-old, of Inch View, Hazelbank, Derry.
Sergeant Jim Collins outlined the charges against Cassidy.
At 5pm on May 20, 2023, Cassidy entered River Island at Letterkenny Retail Park and stole €60 worth of clothes, including trousers and a top. The incident was captured on CCTV, Cassidy was arrested and she made full admissions.
The court heard that the items were not returned.
On September 19, 2023, Cassidy again entered River Island and after taking nine items into the changing rooms she exited carrying six items. Cassidy left the store with three items, valued at €173 which she had placed into a bag and these were not recovered.
On October 8, 2023, Cassidy stole two pairs of green pyjamas, worth a combined €50, from H&M, also at Letterkenny Retail Park.
Cassidy, who has no previous convictions, spoke only to plead guilty to the charges.
Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for Cassidy, said his client is a 56-year-old mother-of-two who was working as a carer for her mother and sister.
Mr Dorrian told the court that Cassidy spent some time in residential care as a result of emotional trauma following the death of her mum earlier in 2023.
“She assures me that there are no previous and she has no pattern of this,” Mr Dorrian said.
“She didn’t do this for profit. It was irrational and she assures me to assure the court that there will be no further offence.”
Mr Dorrian said this had been a ‘very salutary experience’ for client. “She has been very frightened,” he said, “and that brings with it a certain penalty.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said that the best opportunity she could afford Cassidy was to direct the preparation of a probation and welfare report. The matter was adjourned until September.