A judge sentenced a woman who stole a Valentine’s Day teddy bear, amongst other goods, in a €1,400 crime spree to four months in prison, despite believing she wouldn’t spend more than a week in jail.
Receiving her latest sentence in the District Court this week (September 15 ) was pregnant teenager Nela Harna (19 ) of Dodder Crescent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
The court heard how, on a number of dates between February 2009 and April 2010, Harna had made off with €1,400 worth of alcohol, groceries and furniture from premises in Baylough, Monksland, Golden Island, and Dublin Road by means of threat and deception. Nothing was recovered.
The teddy was taken from Supervalu in Monksland on the afternoon of February 14 after she had completed her shopping there, the court heard.
Harna had seven previous convictions for theft, and was given a nine month sentence for such last August.
Her solicitor, Padraig Quinn, told the court his client was pregnant, single and was turning 20 “tomorrow”. He claimed she was having some difficulties with her pregnancy and had only been discharged from Tallaght hospital on Tuesday.
He asked the judge to give her credit for an early plea of guilty, and not to give her a custodial sentence on account of her pregnancy difficulties.
“Mr Quinn, how much of the nine months did she serve?” Judge David Anderson asked.
“One week, judge,” he answered.
“Well, it’s unlikely she’ll spend much more this time, will she Mr Quinn?” mused Judge Anderson.
“I don’t know, judge,” said Mr Quinn.
Judge Anderson then sent her down for four months.
