A mother of two Down Syndrome children who pleaded guilty to the theft of €12 worth of clothes from a store had her charges struck out in the District Court this week (March 13 ) when the judge declared: “This is a scandalous waste of money...this case should never have been brought”.
Before the court was Rose Mongan (40 ), from Corn Mart, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon, who was pleading guilty to the theft of two items from Penneys in Golden Island on July 22, 2011.
“Judge, she bought a number of items, but she gave a towel and a child’s outfit to a child with her and walked out. Items were recovered,” said Inspector Nicholas Farrell.
He pointed out that Mongan only had one previous conviction, a public order offence from 2006.
“She is a lady under some pressure, judge. She has three children, two with Down Syndrome,” explained her solicitor, Mr Mark Cooney.
“I see you’re very nervous in court today,” Judge Hughes said to the trembling defendant.
“I will accept you at your word,” he added, when Mongan indicated she would not try this again.
“The Gardaí should’ve done some background intelligence into this. This case should’ve never been brought. This is a scandalous waste of money bringing this to court over €12. We’re not here to penalise people. We’re here to help them,” he said as he allowed Mongan walk from court without a conviction.
