Longford theft case adjourned to January

A woman accused of theft of over €50,000 from her former employer over a 14 year period had her case adjourned to January to allow her legal team to examine the evidence against her.

Una Bratten (68) of Kiltyreher, Carriglass, Longford was before Judge Kenneth Connolly on charges relating to the alleged theft from a Longford Cash and Carry between 2004 and 2018.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly said the legal team representing Ms Bratten wishes for time to allow a forensic accountant review the day books that are part of the prosecution's evidence against his client.

Judge Connolly noted that such a review would be a lengthy process and that to go through the disclosure and then have it assessed by a forensic accountant would take some time.

The defendants faces charges that: on 18 May, '18 McCarrick Cash and Carry Athlone Road Longford stole property two cases of Budweiser €61.36, on May 16, 2018 she took toilet roll to the value of €35.99, on May 16 2018 she took cash the the value €1,000 and tinfoil costing €8.55, on May 7, 2018 she took a case of Barry's Tea costing €40, on May 4, 2018 she took a hamper valued at €100, on April 25, 2018 the theft of sugar valued at €6.50, on April 23, 2018 she took wine €58.42.

Further charges are that on July 20, 2017 Ms Bratten took cash to the value if €1,347.40, on October 4, 2016 she took €2,699.87 in cash, on February 25, 2015 cash to the value of €2,039.22 was taken, and on May 15, 2014 she took €1,702.86 in cash.

The defendant is also charged with stealing property to the value of €28,341.76 on August 15, 2013, on March 14, 2012 taking €1,377.31 in cash, on December 14, 2011 the theft of cash to the value of €1,700.76, on August 9, 2010 taking cash €1,405.26, and on July 7, 2009 she stole property to the value of €1,554.23.

The remaining charges are that on May 18, 2009 cash of €1,193.76 was taken, on December 23, 2008 €1,847.69 in cash was taken, on September 18, 2007 cash valued at €1,036.95 was taken, on July 18, 2006 €1,457.32 in cash was taken and the final charge was that on June 23, 2004 cash valued at €1,633 was stolen.

Judge Connolly asked Mr Kennelly if there was going to be a legal aid application to cover the cost of the forensic analysis of the accounts, but the solicitor said that would not be necessary.

The judge remanded the defendant on continuing bail to January 14, 2025, but said the matter would return before court on November 5 for mention, but that Ms Bratten was not required to be present for that hearing.