Judge says stealing over €600 worth of drink from Offaly store was 'industrial theft'

A TEENAGE shoplifter was involved in what Judge Andrew Cody said was “industrial theft”.

Judge Cody made the comment when considering sentence for Margaret Connors (19), Glenshane Grove, Tallaght, Dublin 24, who pleaded guilty to stealing €618.50 worth of alcohol from the Tesco store in Tullamore on October 19, 2024.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said Ms Connors entered Tesco with two carry bags which she filled with bottles of vodka, Bacardi rum and Powers whiskey and then passed all points of payment without paying. She was recorded on CCTV.

Sergeant Thornton said the young woman had seven previous convictions, all of which were for theft and she had received a one-month sentence on February 5 for a theft in 2024.

AnnNoelle Bennett, BL, representing Ms Connors, said the young woman wanted to “get it all over with” and the offences had happened when she left the family home.

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Ms Bennett said the accused was no longer keeping the company she was keeping at that time.

“This is industrial theft,” commented Judge Cody, remarking that the total number of bottles of spirits taken was 12 and could not be for personal use.

Ms Bennett said the woman was unwilling to give further details but she could tell the court Ms Connors could not drive.

She hoped to continue work in hairdressing which she had previously started. “It certainly wasn't her idea to start offending,” said Ms Bennett.

Judge Cody said a probation report was before the court which detailed the woman's involvement in theft and he was told by Sergeant Thornton that along with the one-month sentence, which had been imposed in Cavan, she had received a five-month sentence at Naas District Court.

The judge responded: “It's a nationwide enterprise.”

He said there would have to be some consequences for such theft and taking the relatively early plea and the probation report into account, he imposed a sentence of two months to commence when the other sentence expires.