Woman accused of theft of over €50,000 from former employer in the Midlands

A woman accused of theft of over €50,000 from her former employer over a 14 year period will return before Longford District Court at the end of February.

Una Bratten (68) of Kiltyreher, Carriglass, Longford was before Judge Patricia Cronin on 21 sample charges relating to the alleged theft from a Longford Cash and Carry between 2004 and 2018.

The defendant faces charges that: on May 18, '18 McCarrick Cash and Carry Athlone Road Longford stole property two cases of Budweiser €61.36, on May 16, 2018 she took toilet roll to the value of €35.99, on May 16 2018 she took cash the the value €1,000 and tinfoil costing €8.55, on May 7, 2018 she took a case of Barry's Tea costing €40, on May 4, 2018 she took a hamper valued at €100, on April 25, 2018 the theft of sugar valued at €6.50, on April 23, 2018 she took wine €58.42.

Further charges are that on July 20, 2017 Ms Bratten took cash to the value if €1,347.40, on October 4, 2016 she took €2,699.87 in cash, on February 25, 2015 cash to the value of €2,039.22 was taken, and on May 15, 2014 she took €1,702.86 in cash.

The defendant is also charged with stealing property to the value of €28,341.76 on August 15, 2013, on March 14, 2012 taking €1,377.31 in cash, on December 14, 2011 the theft of cash to the value of €1,700.76, on August 9, 2010 taking cash €1,405.26, and on July 7, 2009 she stole property to the value of €1,554.23.

The remaining charges are that on May 18, 2009 cash of €1,193.76was taken, on December 23, 2008 €1,847.69 in cash was taken, on September 18, 2007 cash valued at €1,036.95 was taken, on July 18, 2006 €1,457.32 in cash was taken and the final charge was that on June 23, 2004 cash valued at €1,633 was stolen.

Garda Clive Glancy gave evidence of arresting and charging the defendant in respect of the matters.

Sergeant Enda Daly told the judge the DPP was seeking to have the matter returned for trial on indictment only on a signed plea to all of the 21 sample charges.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly said the prosecution's instance that his client enters signed plea to all 21 charges was “somewhat strong-arming” his client. He described the DPP's direction as “an abuse of process”.

Mr Kennelly told the court the matter had been the subject of a High Court injunction in 2018 and that this was the sixth year the matter had come before the court.

Judge Cronin said she would note on the file the issue of delay was raised by the defence. A disclosure order was made.

Garda Glancy said that the terms of bail had been agreed with the accused. Those bail conditions include signing at Longford Garda Station one day per week, surrender her passport, enter a bond of €10,000 and have no contact with any of the witnesses in the prosecution.

Judge Cronin was told the witnesses in the case are all former colleagues of the defendant. The judge adjourned the matter to February 27 next.