Waterford mother-of-two spared jail for stealing toys because of her children
The case was heard at Waterford Courthouse.
A mother of two has been given a seven-month suspended sentence for stealing toys from Aldi.
Shannon Connors (29), of 18 Beech Drive, Greenfields, Waterford, pleaded guilty to theft at Aldi, City Square, Waterford, on September 13, 2025, at a sitting of Waterford District Court before Judge Cephas Power.
Sergeant Michael Hickey told the court that on the day of the incident, the defendant entered the supermarket with a buggy and two children.
She placed the toys valued at €12.96 under the buggy, paid for other items and left the store.
The court heard that the defendant had over 100 previous convictions, including 29 for theft, as well as burglary, possession of drugs with the intention to sell or supply and criminal damage.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Derrick Connors said that the woman has two children on the autism spectrum and that they had, unbeknownst to the defendant, put the toys under the buggy.
Mr Connors said that his client was distracted by the children while shopping and “it wasn’t a deliberate act”.
Ms Connors only realised afterwards and apologised.
However, Judge Power noted the number of previous convictions and that she had been prosecuted for a similar offence earlier this year.
He sentenced her to seven months in prison, but suspended it for 12 months in light of the fact that her children were dependent on her.
