Sisters appear for sentencing at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court
The sentencing took place last week of sisters Mary and Ann Marie Ward, for the theft of clothing from Ardkeen Tesco, Waterford, in May of 2023.
Ann Marie Ward of Butterfield Meadow, Waterford, was sentenced to two years and six months, with one year suspended.
Mary Ward of Butterfield Court, Waterford, had her sentencing postponed until January 14, 2025, following a plea with Judge Eugene O’Kelly.
On the day of the incident, the sisters entered the store at 10.28am. They picked up various items of clothing whilst stepping in and out of security camera blind spots. They left the store at 10.42am and €521.69 worth of items were taken.
Both were found guilty by a jury in April of this year.
In mitigation for Mary Ward, it was outlined that she had accepted responsibility and expressed remorse for the incident.
It was acknowledged that Mary Ward had a long list of previous convictions, which ‘weighed heavily against mitigation'.
It was also outlined that Ms Ward suffers considerably with mental health, suffered social deprivation during her upbringing, and that her father passed away last year, leading to a ‘crisis point’.
She has three young children, with the court told that losing their mother to a custodial sentence will have ‘a significant impact’.
During the mitigation process for Ann Marie Ward, it was heard that she has domestic abuse and homelessness experience.
The court was told that she had positive engagement with probation services and does have prospects to turn her life around.
It was also outlined that she made a promise towards the end of her father’s life that she would no longer steal.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly outlined that Ann Marie Ward has a history of professional offending, and handed her a sentence of two years and six months, with one year suspended.
Mary Ward was visibly distressed during her own sentencing, saying to Judge O’Kelly "give me one more chance" and "I promise I will stop".
She also said to the judge: "I wont be able to cope in there."
However, Judge O’Kelly outlined that Mary Ward continues to reoffend.
Her sentencing was postponed until January 14 and she is to remain on bail until that date.
