Woman who stole from employer ‘deeply embarrassed’
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AN ASSISTANT manager pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court last week to stealing goods from her former employer.
Joanne Cantwell from 21 Lake Glade, Kilminchy, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to 10 separate counts of theft of groceries and cigarettes totalling €408 from Cleland’s Spar, Kilminchy, Portlaoise on dates between 6 January and 28 February.
Judge Susan Fay asked how much Ms Cantwell had brought to court by way of compensation, to which her solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said she had €100 and described her actions at the time of the offences as “a matter of financial desperation.” He said his 39-year-old client had been “a trusted member of staff who is deeply embarrassed to be in court and riddled with anxiety. She had found herself in a bit of financial difficulty at the time and has written a letter of apology to Mr Cleland.” Judge Fay remanded Ms Cantwell on continuing bail to 16 March, to have full compensation on that date, and in the meantime, to take part in the restorative justice programme and engage with the probation services.
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