A mother of two in her twenties was sentenced to prison this week for stealing DVDs and bronzer in two separate incidents which occurred within a matter of minutes of each other.
Security at Heatons called gardaí after DVDs worth €30 were taken on April 19 2012 at 5.30pm. CCTV identified Una McDonagh, 11 The Grove, Castlebar, as the person who took them after concealing them in her jacket. A report was also made to gardaí from Bourke’s Pharmacy, Castlebar, as McDonagh also stole Isa Dora bronzer worth €25 at 5.18pm on the same day.
McDonagh pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court on Wednesday. The 27-year-old has 12 previous convictions, including 10 for theft.
A letter addressed to Judge Mary Devins which the defendant handed to her solicitor, Gary Mulchrone, that day was read in court by Mr Mulchrone. The defendant said “I’m doing my heart’s best to stay out of trouble” and asked Judge Devins not to send her to prison “for the sake of my kids”.
Judge Devins said that it should be articulated that McDonagh was given community service in Castlebar District Court on January 18 2012 and two days later she received a four month prison sentence at Castlerea District Court, which she obviously did not serve, as these offences were committed in April.
For the theft from Heatons she was convicted and fined €150 and sentenced to 14 days in prison. For the theft from Bourke’s Pharmacy she was convicted and fined €150 and sentenced to four weeks in prison consecutive.
