THE former owner of a Limerick bridal wear shop who was embroiled in controversy in 2015, now faces the prospect of a jail sentence after she admitted stealing property valued at €3,650 from her former customers.
At Limerick Circuit Court last week, Shirley Flanagan, (36) of Rathuard, Donaghmore, County Limerick to theft from four individuals on four dates between January and May 2015.
Amounts of €1,800, €400, €1050 and €400 had all been paid by customers as deposits for bridal wear which Ms Flanagan failed to supply.
After pleading guilty to all charges, Defence barrister Cathal McGreal told the court that Ms Flanagan was on social welfare now. Robelle Bridal ceased trading after the scandal over wedding dresses broke in 2015.
Mr McGreal asked that the sentencing be adjourned to give Ms Flanagan an opportunity to raise money to compensate the injured parties. He said that a medical report was also being sought by Ms Flanagan’s defence team to form part of a mitigation plea at the next hearing.
Ms Flanagan was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the court on April 7 next.
Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice theft and fraud offences act, a person guilty of theft is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or both.
