Athy woman stole €150 worth of newspapers, court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes
“THAT’S a lot of reading!” remarked a judge in a case where the female defendant was pleading guilty to the theft of €150 worth of newspapers.
However, it was her back story that offered a darker underlay to the proceedings.
Deanna Gill (26) with an address at Marina Court, Athy, but presently serving a sentence on unrelated matters, was appearing from the dock under escort at a recent sitting of Athy District Court this week to answer this charge, and one of criminal damage to her next door neighbour’s front door.
The damage to the neighbour’s was on 18 August, 2021, while the theft was from Noonan’s Service Station on the Carlow Road on 31 August 2022.
“She stole the morning newspapers,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan simply.
As she was pleading guilty, he was able to inform the court that she had two previous convictions, “but five post”.
“You’d be reading all day!” remarked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Are you embarrassed?” asked the judge, and the prisoner smiled sheepishly.
“There was some level of intoxication, and they were recovered unopened,” said Sergeant Hanrahan.
In mitigation it was then revealed that Ms Gill’s cousin was murdered in 2020, and the father of her two children was also murdered just six months later.
“She has been on medication for depression and anxiety,” explained her visiting barrister.
“Two of her people got murdered within a couple of months?” asked an incredulous judge.
“August to January,” said the barrister.
“You couldn’t make that up,” the judge shook his head.
“”She has worked as a chef and she quite enjoys that,” said her solicitor.
“What’s your favourite recipe?” asked the judge.
“Shepherd’s Pie and roast dinner,” smiled Ms Gill.
The judge then decided not to dd to her present sentence, and gave her the benefit of the Probation Act on both charges.
