Karen McCusker (30) of Jubilee Hill, Trory, was charged with the theft of £130 cash from a wallet belonging to Edward Lunny on April 16th. 

The court heard that McCusker, who was present in court, was observed committing the offence at the Lakeside Service Station on Queen Street by police security staff at Enniskillen PSNI station. McCusker was seen picking the wallet up off the ground and removing the sum of cash before placing the wallet back on the ground. She then went to the police station on a separate matter where she was shown CCTV footage of her actions by police and subsequently arrested and charged with theft. The money was later returned to the injured party. 

Defence solicitor Bernard Corrigan said the incident was “not the most sophisticated crime” but District Judge Nigel Broderick said it had been “a nasty crime”. 

“If it was my wallet or yours, I would hope that it would be returned,” the judge said. 

Mr Corrigan said it had not been “a case of finders keepers”. 

“It was all observed by police and the money was immediately handed over. She expressed remorse after caution and fully accepts the charge,” he added. 

Judge Broderick commented: “Thankfully all of the money was returned and while I will give her credit for her full admission, she shouldn’t have done it.” 

The judge imposed a 12 month probation order with the added condition that McCusker must undertake 60 hours of community service