A Wexford woman had her case struck out in court recently after a District Court judge gave her the “benefit of the doubt”.
Pauline O’Leary (57) of 8 Saint Martin’s Park, Ballycullane, Wexford pleaded guilty to theft of groceries from Dunnes Stores, City Square Shopping Centre, on 11 October, 2024.
At a recent sitting of Waterford District Court, it was heard that on the day in question, the accused entered the shop and took €77 worth of groceries from the shelves before leaving without attempting to pay. She was later stopped nearby by security.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham outlined that she has no previous convictions, and was in a stressful situation at home at the time of the offence. Mr. Cunningham asked Judge Kevin Staunton to consider striking out or adjourning the case, as the accused brought €77 in cash with her to court as compensation, saying that he was confident she would not be seen in court again.
Judge Staunton stated that the offence was “clearly out of character” for the accused. He said that considering this, and on the basis that compensation was paid, that he would give her “the benefit of the doubt” and he struck out the case.
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