Laois woman starts shoplifting career at 74
Image for illustration purpose
A MOTHER and daughter shoplifting team “with issues” will retire after only one outing, and neither left court with a conviction.
“Seventy-four? You wait ‘til you’re 74 to misbehave?” asked a mildly incredulous Judge Desmond Zaidan of the mother in Athy District Court this week (24 September).
He was speaking to Monica McMulkin (74), Farnan’s, Crettyard, Co Laois who stood before him with her daughter Caroline Kelly (51), Waterfront Apts, Portarlington, also Co Laois.
Both women were charged with taking just €88 worth of groceries from the Tonlagee Centra Filling Station on the Castlecomer Road in Athy on 4 September.
“They were stopped outside, and the property recovered,” said Sgt Dave Hanrahan.
After their solicitor Seamus Boyle entered an early guilty plea, the court learnt that Ms Kelly had one previous conviction for shoplifting.
“Both would have issues,” said Mr Boyle towards mitigation.
“I found my husband dead on the floor, and I’m fighting breast cancer,” said Ms McMulkin.
“I was separated, and my head was all over the place,” said Ms Kelly.
“My boyfriend was violent towards me, and beat me up, I was with him for four years,” she admitted.
“I’m sorry, it won’t ever happen again,” she said.
“I didn’t get any sleep last night,” she admitted.
“It shows me you have a conscience and some regret, so with that in mind I’ll apply the Probation Act,” said the judge, before striking out the charge against the mother.
