Mother-of-four fined for shoplifting toys on the run up to Christmas

Pamela Walsh (41) was "not of great means" when she carried out the theft at a Dublin toy shop.

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

Walsh, of Deerpark Lodge, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to stealing three Lol Surprise toys worth a total of €44 from the store, as well as a €2 bag from another shop.

The court heard on December 14, gardaí were called to the Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght, where the accused was detained by security after stealing a bag from the Tiger shop.

It was also established that she had taken three items from Smyths Toystore, High Street, Tallaght.

Walsh had passed all points of payment and failed to pay for them, a garda said.

The accused was arrested and brought to Tallaght garda station. All the property was recovered and returned to the shops.

Walsh ended up being held in custody following her arrest, the court heard. She was of good behaviour during her arrest and detention.

She had a number of previous convictions.

Walsh was a lone parent with four children.

Her lawyer asked the judge to take account of the fact that the items stolen were toys and the accused was not someone of "great means".

Judge Smyth fined Walsh €100 on each charge.