Court told Waterford woman's shoplifting habit is due to Valium use
The solicitor for the defendant said the woman has a sick child and is struggling. Stock Image.
A Waterford woman says her shoplifting habit is due to a problem with Valium, Waterford District Court has heard.
Niamh Power (33) of Dominic's Place, Waterford, was charged with two counts of theft at a sitting before Judge Kevin Staunton.
Sergeant John Phelan told the court that the defendant entered Boots and took €38.90 worth of cosmetics, and in a separate incident was observed taking a ring valued at €12.99 from a box in TK Maxx.
She passed all points of payment but made no attempt to pay, the court was told.
The court was told the defendant had nine previous convictions, all for theft and theft-related offences.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said his client is a single mother with a sick child.
To cope, she takes Valium, which has become an “issue for her”, and “she cannot stop taking items.”
“I don’t know what I can say to stop you from sending her to jail, Judge. I suspect nothing,” said Mr Delahunty.
Judge Staunton said Ms Power had to stop stealing.
He pointed out that the items the defendant takes tend to be cosmetics or jewellery.
Therefore, he must impose a custodial sentence.
“These items are not groceries or items needed to get by on a daily basis.
“She is not in the same category as someone stealing a loaf of bread or something for the dinner, and she has been given a chance by the court [previously],” said Judge Staunton.
The judge imposed two eight-month prison sentences to run concurrently.
