A woman pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court this week to the theft of a Moses basket from a store in Castlebar.
On Saturday April 28 2012 gardaí were called to Guineys, Castlebar after security observed Cathriona Ward, 75 Chestnut Grove, Castlebar enter the shop with a man and look around. Ward went to a display of Moses baskets and walked out without paying for one. The basket which was worth €75 also had a bumper set included with it which comprised a mattress, blanket and pillow to the value of €25.
CCTV captured the incident and Ward was identified by gardaí. The items were not recovered. Ward was pregnant at the time of the theft.
Judge Mary Devins asked the defendant where the basket had gone to which she said that she did not know.
The 20-year-old married woman is the mother of an eight month old boy. Ward has two previous convictions.
Judge Devins asked Ward if she is prepared to go to prison. “I don’t want to go” was Ward’s response. “Well you better think about your attitude,” said the judge, who put the case back for second calling.
When the case was called again the defendant said that she left the Moses basket behind in Ballaghaderreen when she moved to Castlebar.
Judge Devins convicted and fined her €300 and Ward was also ordered to give €200 in compensation to Guineys. Judge Devins also sentenced Ward to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. The judge said to Ward that: “If you are back to me you certainly need to bring your toothbrush.”
