'How is she out?' -Judge asks how shoplifter who targeted Longford store is out of prison

A 22-year-old accused of multiple thefts from SuperValu in Lanesboro has been fined €200 and given eleven months to pay.

Katelyn Wilson of MacDarragh Frawley Apartments, Galway Road, Roscommon, was brought before a recent sitting of Longford District Court by prosecuting Garda Ann Marie Reilly of Lanesboro Garda Station.

Ms Wilson pleaded guilty to the four charges against her, all of which were for thefts from SuperValu in Lanesboro on four different dates in 2024.

Specifically, she was accused of having stolen 4 cans of alcohol worth €8.60 on August 12, food to the value of €2.30 on September 12, food to the value of €6.01 on September 16, and goods worth €8.83 on September 17.

When asked by Judge Bernadette Owens if Ms Wilson had previous convictions, the sergeant replied that her most recent conviction was this month, specifically November 4, from Roscommon Court, in which she had received seven months for trespassing with criminal intent.

“How is she out?” asked Judge Owens.

“Temporary release,” replied Sgt Mahon. “Went in on Tuesday and was out on Thursday.”

Solicitor Frank Gearty explained Ms Wilson’s father “had unfortunately become addicted to drugs” and that the family had “been destroyed by his addiction.”

Mr Gearty said the man was “gravely ill at the moment” and added, “the reality is that his wife and daughter have ended up being criminalised by their own addictions which have developed as part of a way this family tried to cope with the situation.”

Mr Gearty said his client had a severe problem with alcohol dependency and had previously ended up homeless and living in a tent.

He pointed out that her “underlying character was a good character” and that she had been dragged down by her own demons such as alcohol.

Mr Gearty said she understood her wrongdoing and added that she had brought money as compensation for her thefts.

He told the court that Ms Wilson was also on a list to get into St Francis’s Farm, a rehab facility. Mr Gearty said his client “wishes to change her life.”

Judge Owens convicted and fined Ms Wilson €200 and gave her eleven months to pay.

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