Longford mother put 13 yankee candles into child's buggy as intended Christmas presents

A mother of two walked into a Longford discount store and placed over a dozen yankee candles worth more than €250 into a child's buggy as intended presents for Christmas, a court has heard.

Julie Nevin (24), of 98 MacEoin Park, Longford, pleaded guilty to making off with 13 candles from Mr Price, Athlone Road, Longford on October 20,2021.

Sgt Mark Mahon, in outlining the State's case, said, the accused arrived at the store at around 2pm where she proceeded to place all of the items into a child's buggy.

He said Ms Nevin exited the store's front entrance moments later after passing all points of payment.

The court was also told Ms Nevin had two previous convictions, one of which was for theft.

In defence, Ms Nevin's solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said the accused was a mother of two who suffered from anxiety and stress.

It was also revealed Ms Nevin was in the company of another woman.

Ms Mimnagh said CCTV footage was clear in that it showed Ms Nevin attempt to conceal the items, insisting it was a desperate attempt to make some early festive purchases.

“She (Ms Nevin) was trying to get candles as a present for the season that was coming in the next couple of months,” she said.

Ms Mimnagh said Ms Nevin was more than willing to offer up compensation but needed time in order to do so.

Judge Bernadette Owens agreed and adjourned the case until a sitting of Longford District Court on March 14 next year.