Laois woman stole money from her employer of 25 years
Portlaoise Courthouse
A TRUSTED employee who had worked in a supermarket for 25 years stole more than €360 from her employer by taking money from the tills over a seven-day period.
The woman pleaded guilty to the thefts that took place from 19-30 September 2024 from SuperValu, Portarlington.
Garda Sgt Hughes said that on 19 September, the defendant took a voucher valued at €100, on 23 September €60.45 in cash, on 25 September €33.75, on 26 September €76.70 and on 30 September €89.65.
She said that the defendant Edel Quinn (50), Woodlawn Drive, Clonbullogue was working on the tills when she took the voucher and cash totalling €360.55 and did not ring them through on the till.
He said that Ms Quinn has since paid back €650 to the store owner by way of postal orders.
Judge Andrew Gubbins queried if Ms Quinn is charged with the theft of €360.55, why has she paid €650 to the store owner?
Defending solicitor Josphine Fitzpatrick said the reason is because she was “receiving texts on an ongoing basis from her former employer.” She said that her client realised she had to pay back the money and had paid in excess and had another €400 with her in court to again compensate her former employer.
Ms Fitzpatrick said that her client had taken a course in hairdressing and was hoping to gain employment in that field in the future.
The solicitor said: “She acknowledges that she breached the trust they had in her and is not proud of her actions. At the time, her finances were poor, but the compensation has been paid back. She had been employed there for 25 years and is not welcome back in the shop again. She hasn’t come to garda attention since or before this.” After considering the facts in the case, the judge noted the breach of trust involved in stealing from an employer, but also took account of her guilty plea, remorse and previous good character.
He noted that Ms Quinn had paid back more than she was charged with stealing, adding: “The injured party had been more than compensated and I don’t expect her to pay any more than she has paid. Hopefully, she can come back into employment. Given the number of charges before the court, I cannot leave her without a conviction.” Judge Gubbins convicted Ms Quinn on one of the charges and fined her €200. On the other four charges, he applied the probation act on each and granted the defendant free legal aid.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
