Woman with 106 previous convictions stole over €300 of cosmetics from Longford pharmacy

A judge has directed that a probation report is completed on a Longford resident, who stole cosmetics valued at more than €300.

Helen McTernan of Árd Na Drise, Mohill, county Leitrim pleaded guilty in Longford District Court to two thefts which occurred within a two week period last spring.

She admitted stealing cosmetic items valued at €188 from Ward's Pharmacy, Ballymahon Street, Longford on March 22 last and to stealing cosmetic items valued at €158 from the same pharmacy on April 5, 2025.

Judge Bernadette Owens heard the second quantity of items were recovered and were resaleable.

The defendant had 106 previous convictions with 71 of them relating to theft.

Solicitor John Anderson said his client had €188 in court in compensation to cover the items that were not recovered and she had some personal problemand endured a 'difficult period of life, she does not really want to go into in open court'.

Mr Anderson said his client had entered an early guilty plea and he believed a probation and welfare report would provide a much 'clearer picture'.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted the mitigation and she directed that a probation report which includes a community service assessment be completed on the defendant and she adjourned the case until March 10, 2026 with liberty to re-enter.

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