Woman barred shop in the Midlands for stealing Buzzballz, wine and crisps

A woman who stole cans of Buzzballz, wine, crisps and a fruitpot from a shop in the Midlands was reminded she was barred during a court appearance.

Zoe Maher (24) of White Horse Lodge, Flat 2, Mountrath admitted stealing three cans of Buzzballz alcoholic drink, three bottles of I Heart wine, a six pack of Walkers crisps and a fruit pot with a combined value of €48.47 from Mighty Mols in Mountrath on July 16 last.  

She trespassed at Might Mols and engaged in threatening or abusive behaviour on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise and caused criminal damage to a patrol car by putting saliva on a headrest on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise on July 29, 2024.  

Garda Hogan told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the woman had entered the store and stolen products. She had been identified by the manager and was barred. The woman entered the store despite being barred. 

He said while she was being conveyed to Portlaoise Garda Station she was threatening and abusive and the woman had caused criminal damage to the patrol car. 

“Since this they have not had any issue with her in the shop,” said Garda Hogan. He said the cost of cleaning the car amounted to €79.45 and the theft from the shop amounted to €48.47. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to the offences. 

He said the woman, who is in receipt of €140 per week jobseekers allowance after her accommodation costs,  had been under some personal strain and had used alcohol as a crutch.

“She has given up alcohol completely now,” he said.  “She has brought a sum of €170 to court in total,” Mr Meagher said.

In relation to the headrest, Mr Meagher said “her mouth came into contact with the headrest and saliva excreted” and he didn’t expect the woman to trouble the court again. He said the €170 was indicative of a genuine effort on the part of his client. 

Judge Susan Fay said the sum didn’t go far enough. She ordered the woman to pay €200 to Little Blue Heroes along with the €48.47 in compensation. 

Garda Hogan reminded the woman that “she is still barred from the property”. 

The woman confirmed that she would not return to Mighty Mols. 

Judge  Fay remanded the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on December 16 for payment of the remainder of the compensation. She said if it wasn’t paid she would convict the woman and fine her €400.