A WOMAN who pleaded guilty this week to stealing clothing had done so for her children to wear to her mother’s funeral, Letterkenny District Court heard.
Caroline Kepnang (57), 18 Cruach Mor, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, pleaded guilty to the theft of six pairs of leggings and one t-shirt to the value of €17.30 from Penneys, Letterkenny, on June 13, 2024.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court how on the day in question at 5.40pm, gardaí were called to Penneys and were told by staff that Kepnang had not paid for a number of clothing items.
The items were retrieved and were resalable, the court was told.
Kepnang has a previous conviction for theft dating back to 2017, the court heard.
Solicitor Frank Dorrian said his client is originally from Cameroon, is a mother of three children and has been living in the county for a while.
“Her mother had died in Cameroon and she had gone to Penneys to buy clothes for her children for the funeral. She had spent €107 on 20 or 30 items and had exhausted her resources.”
Judge Eitéain Cunningham.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was concerned as Kepnang has a previous conviction for theft.
“I do note that she had not come before the court since, until now.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted and fined Kepnang €100. She was given six months to pay the fine.
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