Clare woman accused of stealing 6.5ft Christmas tree tells judge 'I am a famous woman'
Gordon Deegan
A Co Clare woman accused of stealing a 6.5 ft tall Christmas tree worth €120 from Tesco in Ennis declared in court, “Do you know what with social media, I am a famous woman."
At Ennis District Court, Charlene Keenan (28) appeared in connection with being charged with the theft of the €120 Christmas tree from Tesco’s Ennis outlet at Francis Street on November 14th last, contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Solicitor, Tara Godfrey, for Ms Keenan of Church Drive, Clarecastl,e told Judge Alec Gabbett that her client denies the offence and actually paid for the tree on the day.
Ms Keenan - who celebrates her 29th birthday later this month - told Judge Gabbett that she has a Tesco receipt for the tree.
Sgt John Burke of Ennis Garda Station told the court that the tree was recovered.
Judge Gabbett said: “Ms Keenan says it was paid for - that is the difference."
Ms Godfrey said, “Maybe it was recovered and paid for.”
Ms Godfrey asked the court not to record a conviction against Ms Keenan.
She said, “Charlene wanted to show the tree to her mother before paying for it. She temporarily deprived them of the tree when she went outside the door.”
Ms Godfrey said, “She paid for it.”
Ms Keenan said: “Gardai have the photocopies of the receipt and Tesco has a photocopy of the receipts as well. I have paid for the Christmas tree.”
She said: “If you look back at the CCTV everything was paid for.”
Judge Gabbett said that he would adjourn the case until next week in order for the Garda file on the case to be brought before the court.
Ms Godfrey said to Ms Keenan, “We don’t want you to have a record for theft.”
Ms Keenan laughed when she said to Judge Gabbett: “Do you know what, with social media I am a famous woman."
Judge Gabbett told Ms Keenan that the receipt for the tree could be on her TESCO Clubcard App.
Ms Keenan first appeared in court concerning the charge on December 16th last at Ennis District Court and failed to show up in court for the case on January 7th last, resulting in Judge Gabbett issuing a bench warrant for Ms Keenan.
The bench warrant was executed and Ms Keenan told Judge Gabbett that she will be in court on January 21st when the case will be finalised.
Ms Keenan told Judge Gabbett: “I won’t let you down, I promise.”
