Longford District Court: Judge says defendant's defence is ‘not the best story’

A Georgian national who pleaded guilty to four charges stemming from two thefts was given an opportunity to pay back the injured party.

Ira Shashviashvilli (36) of 51 Grange Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 faces charges that on May 4, and July 16, 2023 at SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre she stole property, a bottle of Jameson valued at €32.
The defendant was also charged with the possession of an article, a device to remove security tags, on the same dates. Solicitor Brid Mimnagh indicated that her client was entering a plea of guilty to all four charges.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined details of the offences. He said Ms Shashviashvilli entered SuperValu and removed a security tag from the whiskey bottles and passed all points of payment without paying. Sgt Daly said the defendant was identified on CCTV footage.

The defendant made full admissions when interviewed about the offences. She has no previous convictions.
Ms Mimnagh told the court her client now lives in Dublin and although she has no income, she would like an opportunity to reimburse the injured party.

After hearing the evidence Judge ShalomBinchy asked: “Where did the defendant get the device to take the security tag off the bottle?”
Responding through an interpreter Ms Shashviashvilli said “it was in a car we bought”.

The judge asked how the defendant knew what the device was and how to use it. Ms Shashviashvilli replied through the interpreter: “I was told by some man.”

Judge Binchy said it was “not the best story” she ever heard. Noting the defendant's early admission and guilty plea the judge said she would afford Ms Shashviashvilli an opportunity to compensate the injured party.

The matter was adjourned to October 17 for payment of €64 to the injured party, if the payment was made the matter would be struck out. If the defendant failed to have the money in court a fine of €200 will be imposed.