Laois woman admits she would steal again for her children
Portlaoise Courthouse
A WOMAN who had been approved free legal aid told Judge Susan Fay that she wished to finalise her case in the absence of her legal advisor at Portlaoise District Court last week.
Laura Kerry (44), Dunamaise View, Kilminchy, Portlaoise was before the court charged with the theft of €81.74 worth of goods from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on 28 August last year.
Judge Fay informed Ms Kerry that solicitors had withdrawn their services. She asked if she was sure that she wanted to proceed to finalise her case in the absence of her legal representative, to which she said she was.
Garda Sgt Kirby said the defendant has 36 previous convictions and that the case had been adjourned from April for a probation report to be finalised.
Judge Fay noted that the probation report was positive, to which Ms Kerry replied: “I’ve changed my whole life around.”
Sgt Kirby agreed with the defendant, saying: “I will agree with her. She does do her best under difficult circumstances.”
Ms Kerry said: “I was involved in a level of domestic violence in my life, with my child having been in prison. I love my grandchildren. Just give me one more chance. I did steal but I’d do the same again for my children. People do change their lives around.” Noting that Ms Kerry had opted to represent herself, Judge Fay expressed her concern “that you said that you’d be happy to do it (offence) again. I would have been happy to finalise this case other than that.”
Judge Fay went on to remand Ms Kerry on continuing bail to finalise the case on 14 September, adding: “You seem to be on a good path. I will take that into consideration when I’m finalising this case.”
