Woman alleged to have stolen from 10 different stores appears in Kildare court

A WOMAN who allegedly shoplifted almost €8,500 in sports apparel from 10 different stores in five different counties was technically remanded back into custody until 3 July, despite having to return to the circuit court for sentencing in an unspecified conviction.

Helen Connors (21) with an address in Kiltalawn Hill, Jobstown, Dublin 24 appeared in Naas District Court recently by videolink as she had been in Dochas since initially remanded there two days beforehand.

“Multiple alleged thefts,” noted Judge Desmond Zaidan with a sheaf of 10 charge sheets in his hands.

These allegedly occurred between 9 August and New Year’s Eve last year in 10 various sports stores in Navan, Clonmel, Drogheda, Limerick, and five times from the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge.

“She is due for sentence in the circuit on Monday,” revealed her barrister, Aisling Murphy. “I am in some difficulty here”.

No Directions

As Ms Connors had only been apprehended on these charges less than a week previously, Sergeant Dave Hanrahan there were no directions from the DPP.

Noting the geographical spread on the charges, the judge queried whether the appropriate sheets should be sent to the place of alleged offence, he was corrected by Sgt Hanrahan.

“We have jurisdiction to deal with all matters because she is being charged here,” he clarified.

“She said at her (failed) bail application she was under duress from her ex, the father of her children,” noted the judge. “I will be dealing with all of them, unless the DPP decides otherwise.” He remanded the defendant in custody until 3 July.

He said: “You will be back in Naas in the Circuit Court for sentence on something different.”