by Andrew Carey
THERE was neither rhyme nor reason to a young woman’s actions when she tried to steal lingerie valued at €370 from a Limerick city store, the local district court has been told.
Rita Kelly (25) of Thomond House, Limerick was arrested after she attempted to shoplift the ladies underwear at the Harvey’s Quay branch of Dunnes Stores on December 13 last year.
Ms Kelly also pleaded guilty to stealing hair extensions and a jumper to the value of €35 from Penney’s, O’Connell Street on the same date exactly one year later.
On May 4 last, she failed to appear before the court and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly was told that Ms Kelly was stopped by security personnel as she attempted to leave both stores.
Inspector Dermot O’Connor said the property was recovered from both thefts but the items from Penney’s were unable to be resold as the security tags had been removed and the goods were damaged in the process.
Defence solicitor, Ted McCarthy said his client, who was the mother of a young child, had a difficult past and upbringing. During a period of time earlier this year, she was homeless but her “downward spiral” had since been checked.
Mr McCarthy said there was “no rhyme nor reason” to her actions last week and he described the offence at Dunnes Stores as a “very amateur enterprise”.
Before seeking a probation order, Judge O’Kelly heard that Ms Kelly wanted to apologise for her actions.
The matter was adjourned until March 25 next.
