THREE women who went on a shoplifting spree in Enniskillen have been given four month suspended sentences after they appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court via video link.
The three women stole clothing from three Enniskillen stores: DV8, Lifestyle Sports and O’Neill’s Sports Wear.
The prosecutor explained that on November 7, 2013 at 2.30pm the manager of O’Neill’s Sports Wear, Enniskillen, spoke to police and told them that four women had been in the store and had left with goods and not paid for them.
Police were told that the women were travelling with two buggies and located them on the Wellington Road, a short distance away.
Police observed there were two young children in the buggies. After a search of one of these police discovered a bag, with two shirts inside, both with labels. The women were unable to provide receipts.
Police also discovered further clothing, including two pairs of trousers and jeans, while a Lidl and Supervalu bag lined with tinfoil containing more clothing was also uncovered in a nearby hedge.
All the women were arrested for theft and for going equipped.
Geraldine Joyce (32), of Blackberry Lane, Athlone and 21-year-old Mary Ellen McDonagh of Coosan, Athlone were convicted of three incidents of theft totalling £437.94 from DV8 (£304.94), O’Neill’s Sports Wear (£98) and Lifestyle Sports (£35) and one count of going equipped for theft, while Joyce was also convicted of obstructing police.
Accomplice Rosemary Joyce (30), of Blackberry Lane, Athlone was convicted of two counts of theft totalling £402.94 from DV8 (£304.94) and O’Neill’s Sports Wear, one count of going equipped for theft, and one count of obstructing police.
The charges of obstructing police were in relation to two of the defendants originally not giving their correct names.
None of the women had previous records.
Garry Smyth, defending, explained that the women had found their time in custody particularly difficult, especially being away from their children.
Mr Smyth told the court that the defendants had learned their lessons and asked for credit for their early pleas of guilt.
It was noted in court that all items stolen were recovered and fit for re-sale meaning there was no case for restitution.
District judge Nigel Broderick said these were serious matters and that he hoped that their time in custody had reinforced this.
In imposing the four-month custodial sentences, suspended for 18 months, the judge took into account the full admissions made by the women and their clear records.
For the charges of obstructing police the judge imposed a conditional discharge for a period of 18 months.
The district judge warned each of the women individually that should they return to the jurisdiction in the North and engage in this type of behaviour again they would be sent to prison.
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