Woman caught stealing from Longford supermarkets has 'learned a huge lesson'

A mother of three with a suspended prison term hanging over her, who was caught stealing from supermarkets earlier this year, will return before Longford District Court on April 1, 2025.

Neta Anghel (25) of Mullaghavorneen, Longford faced three theft charges stemming from offences in April and May of this year.
Solicitor Frank Gearty indicated that his client was entering a plea of guilty to all three charges. Mr Gearty said there was “unusual and extraordinary” mitigation in the case.

Outlining details of the offences Sergeant Mark Mahon told Judge Bernadette Owens that on Wednesday, April 3 at 1:30pm the defendant entered SuperValu, Hazelwood and hid €70 worth of coffee in her skirt and passed all points of purchase and made no effort to pay.

The second and third offences took place on May 18, 2024. At 2:30pm Ms Anghel entered Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford and placed seven lamb chops valued at €62.93 into her skirt and left the premises, later that day she returned to the supermarket and took more groceries to the value of €65.52.

When Gardai caught the defendant she made a full admission and co-operated. Sgt Mahon said Ms Anghel was previously convicted for theft at Roscommon Circuit Court and received a suspended sentence of three months for two years.
Solicitor Frank Gearty commended the Gardaí for the manner in which the matter was dealt with: “When Garda Harrison explained the situation my client went back to SuperValu and paid for the goods. She was in a difficult financial situation at the time and held her hands up.”

Mr Gearty said the mother of three had “learned a huge lesson”, and said having previously spent time in custody “it won't happen again, she is terrified out of her wits”.
The solicitor asked the judge to give Ms Anghel an opportunity and not impose a custodial sentence, and if possible not register a conviction that would trigger the suspended sentence in place.

Having considered the matter Judge Owens said she would put the matter back for review on April 1, giving the Gardai liberty to re-enter the matter if the defendant came to their attention.

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