Addicted woman told to stay out of town after a series of thefts

A woman who appeared in Naas District Court on a number of theft allegations was given a custody term, most of which was suspended.

Rebecca Gill, 29, stated to be of no fixed abode and also with an address at Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, was charged with taking two bottles of alcohol from the Lidl store, Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, valued at €21 each on July 9; razor blades valued at €60 from Dunnes Stores, Newbridge, on the same date after security tags had been taken off; €50 worth of goods from Supervalu, Newbridge, which were placed in her bag, on June 4; €90 worth of goods from TK Maxx, Newbridge, on June 16; cosmetics worth €100 from Tesco, Newbridge, on June 7 which were concealed in a bag; items worth €78 from TK Maxx, Newbridge, on June 12; being abusive at TK Maxx, Newbridge, on June 19; taking €30 worth of goods from Penneys, Newbridge, which were concealed in a bag while she took a lift, on June 19.

The court was also told that there were a number of thefts between June 24 and July 7, some of which were captured on CCTV. 

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There were incidents at Newbridge Industrial Estate, TK Maxx, Aldi in Newbridge, Supervalu and Bergin’s pharmacy.

Sgt Mary Meade told the court that the defendant has 11 previous convictions, including two for theft. She said the vast majority of goods were not recovered.

Defending Solicitor David Powderly said a substantial number of thefts had taken place over a relatively short period of time.

He said the defendant had addiction problems and significant difficulties with drugs and alcohol.

He told the court the defendant had tried to tackle her difficulties and had pleaded guilty to these offences “at the first opportunity.”

He added she had been under the care of the probation service and she understands that “this would be her last chance.”

Mr Powderly said the defendant had a pattern of stealing alcohol for herself and other items which she would sell on.

The court was also told that she had been used by other males as a conduit.

Mr Powderly said  the defendant is on methadone and had been sleeping rough.

She had been taken into custody a week before the court hearing.

Noting that the defendant had pleaded guilty, the court imposed a custody term of six weeks, which was backdated to when she went into custody.

The final six weeks of the term was suspended on condition that she stay out of Newbridge, engage with addiction services and take any prescribed medication.