Six month suspended sentences for theft
Pic: iStock
Two women appeared before Judge James Faughnan at a recent sitting of Strokestown District Court for the theft of groceries.
Leanne Dempsey (29) of 4 Bracklin Grove, Edgeworthstown and 54-year-old Caroline Duffy, 59 Railway Meadows, Longford were put on their election and opted to have their cases heard in the district court.
Both women were charged with stealing an assortment of groceries to the value of €270 from SuperValu, Elphin Street, Strokestown on July 17th, 2025. Ms Dempsey was also charged with careless driving on the same date.
Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court gardaí received a call that the two defendants had been detained at the supermarket and were later arrested. Some of the goods were recovered.
Solicitor Mary Rose McNally appearing for Ms Dempsey told the court that her client is a single mother who is hoping to go back working as cleaner. “She got caught up in these events and apologies to the court.” Compensation had been paid with another €100 in court on the day.
The court further heard that Ms Duffy had lived in Tulsk for 10 years. On the date of the offence, she had been given a lift. Ms Duffy was said to be extremely unwell and receives a lot of medication having been in a coma at one stage. She had €50 in court to add to the compensation.
Ms Dempsey was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for three years and fined €500 while Ms Duffy was also given a six month suspended sentence.
Judge Faughnan condemned what he called “people coming out and stealing in small towns and villages.”
*Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme
