Woman stole €150 worth of newspapers
Photo for illustrative purposes
“THAT’S a lot of reading!” remarked a judge in a case where a woman pleaded guilty to the theft of €150 worth of newspapers.
However, it was her back story that offered a darker underlay to the proceedings.
Deanna Gill (26) with an address at Marina Court, Athy, Co Kildare but currently serving a sentence on unrelated matters, appeared at Athy District Court last week to answer this charge, as well as one of criminal damage to her next door neighbour’s front door.
The damage to the neighbour’s door was on 18 August 2021, while the theft was from Noonan’s Service Station on the Carlow Road on 31 August 2022.
“She stole the morning newspapers,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan, adding that she had two previous convictions at the time of the offences five since then.
“You’d be reading all day!” remarked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Are you embarrassed?” asked the judge, and the prisoner smiled sheepishly.
“There was some level of intoxication, and they were recovered unopened,” said Sergeant Hanrahan.
In mitigation, it was revealed that Ms Gill’s cousin was murdered in 2020, and the father of her two children was also murdered just six months later.
“She has been on medication for depression and anxiety,” explained her visiting barrister.
“Two of her people got murdered within a couple of months?” asked an incredulous judge.
“August to January,” said the barrister.
“You couldn’t make that up,” the judge shook his head.
“”She has worked as a chef and she quite enjoys that,” said her solicitor.
“What’s your favourite recipe?” asked the judge.
“Shepherd’s Pie and roast dinner,” smiled Ms Gill.
The judge then decided not to add to her present sentence and gave her the benefit of the Probation Act on both charges.
