THREE sisters have pleaded guilty to stealing a range of items from shops around the Fermanagh area in autumn last year, and are contesting several more theft charges.
Elizabeth Joyce (38) of Trasna Way in Lisnaskea pleaded guilty to eight counts of theft, which involved stealing a range of items from various shops in the area on dates between August and October last year.
The items she admits stealing included jeans from Next worth £150, foods from Lidl worth £70, dog bowls and balls from Pets at Home, food from Iceland worth £20, household goods from Poundstretcher. and a tray of buns from Lidl.
The 38-year-old also pleaded not guilty to four counts of handling stolen goods, including children’s clothing from Monsoon and household furnishings from Harry Corry.
Ellen Joyce, also known as Ellen McDonagh (25) with an address in Redbourn, Hertfordshire, also pleaded guilty to a number of counts of theft, including George Foreman grills from B and M Bargains, dog bowls and balls from Pets at Home, and milk and bread from two local shops. She entered not guilty pleas to two other counts of stealing bread and milk, and two counts of handling stolen goods.
Finally, Seprina Joyce (36) of Hazelwood, Athlone, Co Westmeath pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, including the tray of buns from Lidl and the dog items from Pets at Home, and one count of handling stolen goods. She pleaded not guilty to stealing £234 of goods from Poundstretchers.
The women’s defence barrister, Stefan Rafferty, had initially told the court that up to 29 witnesses could be needed for the defendants’’ trials, however he said due to the guilty pleas entered, many would no longer be needed. Mr Rafferty said the contested cases, which he said significantly overlapped, would now only require three of four.
The case was adjourned until August 9 to give the defence and prosecution time to agree on a date for trial.
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