'out of character' Dublin granny was 'at a loss' to explain why she shoplifted two jackets

A grandmother was "at a loss" to explain why she shoplifted two jackets from a city centre store, a court heard.

Carol Rooney (60) was caught as she tried to flee with the property, worth a combined €500.

Judge Bryan Smyth fined her €200 when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

Rooney, with an address at St Mary's Mansions in Dublin's north inner city, pleaded guilty to theft.

The court heard it was reported to gardaí that Rooney had taken two jackets worth €500 from Mountain Warehouse on O'Connell Street Lower on February 7 last year.

Arrested

She was stopped and arrested and the goods were recovered.

The court heard Rooney had previous convictions for offences including theft and possession of drugs.

Rooney, who had undergone treatment for medical issues, was at a loss to say what she was thinking on the day of the theft, her solicitor Yvonne Bambury said.

What happened was "out of character at this point in her life", Ms Bambury said.

Rooney was of "limited resources" and did not have much by way of finances, she said.

The judge fined and convicted Rooney.

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Online Editors