Woman who stole €215 worth of goods from Longford Supervalu may not receive conviction

A woman who admitted shoplifting in Longford town has been directed by a judge to be law-abiding over the next six months if she wants to avoid a conviction.

Samantha Kerrigan (33) of 28 Tailteann Drive, Windtown, Navan, County Meath pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to stealing goods valued at €215 from SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre in Longford town on August 15 last.

The defendant told Judge Bernadette Owens she was representing herself and she had come to 'take full responsibility'.

Ms Kerrigan, a mother of four children, also stated that she was not presently working and she did not intend to apply for legal aid.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, informed Judge Owens the DPP was satisfied that the case could be dealt with by the district court.

The court heard Ms Kerrigan had entered an early guilty plea, the goods were recovered and she had no previous convictions.

Judge Owens said she "detected that things may have been particularly difficult" for Ms Kerrigan and she asked if she was getting any help and she replied she was not at the moment.

Judge Owens also asked if the defendant felt a probation report would be of any benefit and she replied, "No, there are things I can't go into".

Judge Owens, who stated that was the purpose of getting a probation report, said, "We might at least get some information that may be relevant."

Judge Owens decided to adjourn the case until April 6 next for consideration before making a final decision.

She addressed the defendant and indicated if she is law-abiding she may get an opportunity.

Said Judge Owens, "You will need to come back and if you have not got into any other difficulty I may be persuaded to leave you without a conviction."