A WOMAN who attempted to leave Superquinn without having paid for two trolleys of groceries valued over €1,400, has avoided jail after she admitted the offence dating back to November 27 last.
36-year-old Deirdre Byrnes, with an address at Ballygrennan, Ballynanty, pleaded guilty to the offence at the Castletroy Supermarket when security staff stopped her from leaving the premises with the trolleys of groceries worth €1,416.30.
Judge Eamon O’Brien heard that Ms Byrnes was under the influence of another person who was alleged to be controlling the situation and using her as a decoy.
Gardai attended the scene after the accused was detained by security staff and was later arrested.
While under detention for the groceries incident, Ms Byrnes was also found to be in possession of two naggins of whiskey concealed on her person.
Ms Byrnes also pleaded guilty to the handling of stolen property on Little William Street the previous day. She was found in possession of a Gucci aftershave kit and a Babyliss hair straightener.
John Herbert, solicitor, acting as agent for Michael O’Donnell, told the court that Ms Byrnes had been under the controlling influence of another person and this was a factor in the case.
Judge Eamon O’Brien convicted and sentenced her to nine months in prison, suspended it for a period of two years, and placed Ms Byrnes on her own good behaviour bond.
