“She got a chance and I can’t give her another,” was the response of a Judge to a plea for leniency when dealing with a young woman who pleaded guilty to a theft charge.
Brigid Ward (21 ) of 39 Hugh Hession Road, The Glebe, Tuam pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared before Judge Valerie Corcoran at Galway District Court this week.
The Court was told Ward entered Elvery’s on the Headford Road, Galway, and stole clothing to the value of €85. The clothing was not recovered.
Judge Corcoran was told that the defendant had no previous conviction but a public order charge had been dropped on another occasion.
Michael Cunningham solr (defending ) said his client was very apologetic and ashamed over her behaviour. She had €85 with her in Court to hand over in compensation for the clothing she stole. She had co-operated fully with the Gardaí and was anxious to get the matter dealt with.
He added that she was a young lady but acknowledged she had received a previous chance. He asked the Judge to be as lenient as possible.
Judge Corcoran said that Ward had got her chance and she couldn’t offer leniency this time. “She got a chance and I can’t give her another”.
The Judge acknowledged that there were others with the defendant at the time before she imposed a conviction and a fine of €200 with six months to pay.
