A MOTHER of two young children experiencing financial difficulties because of the cost of living crisis was detected stealing groceries three times.
The woman, aged in her 40s who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to three separate charges of theft at Letterkenny District Court on Monday.
She is charged with stealing groceries from Aldi, Gortlee, on January 26, 2023, February 16, 2023 and February 23, 2023.
The total sum the stolen groceries amounted to was €47.37.
Defendant’s solicitor Maureen Gallagher told the court her client is a mother of two young children and is a recipient of social welfare.
She said her client had stolen the food because of financial difficulties.
“The cost of living crisis has gone up significantly and she has found it difficult to make ends meet.”
She said the woman had found the increase in the cost of living, including increased energy and food bills, very difficult to manage.
Ms Gallagher said her client is trying to manage her money a bit better.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she appreciated that times are very tough, particularly for people with children. But she voiced her concerns that there appeared to be a pattern to this behaviour, due to the three incidents having occurred within a short timeframe.
Judge Cunningham said she was going to put the matter back until September 16 for a period of monitoring and to allow for a probation and welfare report to be carried out.
“I want to afford her the best opportunity,” she said.
Judge Cunningham also said the woman should seek support from Saint Vincent de Paul and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).
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