Laois mother directed child to engage in criminal act
Image for illustration purposes
TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, became involved with a Laois family after allegations emerged that a mother had directed one of her children to engage in criminal activity.
The matter came to light during proceedings before an in camera sitting of Portlaoise District Court, where the woman was convicted of directing one of her children to participate in criminal behaviour and for handling stolen property.
As part of the response to the case, Tusla investigated the family circumstances and any child welfare concerns arising from the offence.
Because the proceedings were held in camera and involved children, reporting restrictions apply and identifying details of the family cannot be published.
The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to the offences that occurred on 8 August last year at Shaws store in Portlaoise Garda Sgt Hughes said on the day, the woman went into the store with two of her children aged 14 and eight. One of the children was seen taking cosmetic items. The mother and the two children left the store without paying for the goods.
A search was carried out in the woman’s house and some of the items that had been taken from the store were found.
Sgt Hughes said that the defendant has 20 previous convictions that included theft, drug and public order offences.
Her solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described the offences as being “extremely serious matters.” The solicitor said: “She’s putting her hands up and is accepting full responsibility. There was no excuse for her behaviour on the day. All she can do is learn from her serious mistake and offer an apology to her children.” Ms Fitzpatrick said that Tusla had been involved with the family following her client’s arrest and that the Child and Family Agency “had investigated and closed the file on this as it didn’t require further intervention.” Judge Andrew Gubbins said that the most concerning aspect of the case was that children were involved.
He said before finalising the case, he wanted to see the extent of the investigation that Tusla had carried out on the family and the reasons why it had closed the case file on them.
He remanded the woman on continuing bail to the 16 November sitting of the court.
