A Waterford Judge told a woman with over 50 previous convictions who was charged with stealing toilet roll and groceries, that the courts “don’t like” sending people to prison for theft, but “it comes to a point”.
Joy Kabena (45) of 12 Ormond Rise, Kilbarry, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a sitting of Waterford District Court this month, and pleaded guilty to theft, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. This related to an incident that occurred in September 2025.
Inspector Joe O’Neill told the court that on 17 September last year, Gardaí were called to Dunnes Stores, City Square Shopping Centre, following reports of an alleged theft. A woman who was identified as the accused, took toilet roll and groceries, including chocolate, from the store and left without paying. The Inspector added that the items were not recovered.
It was noted in court that the accused has 59 previous convictions.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty highlighted that his client has five children, and for the most part the items were toilet rolls, which are not able to be resold.
He indicated to Judge Staunton that the woman is known to the court, and highlighted the fact that this was her only offence committed in 2025 – asking if this would help her in mitigation.
Judge Staunton said that the courts “don’t like” sending people to prison for theft offences, but that it “comes to a point”.
The Judge handed the accused an eight month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
