Judge tells woman he doesn’t ‘expect her back’ in court anytime soon

A judge has told a woman he won’t “expect her back” before the courts again after she admitted shoplifting from a Mullingar pharmacy.

Judge Vincent Deane told Ann Loran, of 44 Farren, Ashe Road, Mullingar, Westmeath to avoid coming on the radar of gardaí into the future following her role in a theft from Boots, Harbour Place Shopping Centre, Mullingar, on March 5, 2025.

The court heard that incident came after the accused walked into the pharmacy shortly after 2pm on the date in question and stole an item of make-up from its shelves.

Sgt Orla Keenan said the value of the item amounted to just under €15 and the incident was captured on the store’s internal CCTV system.

Judge Vincent Deane was told the goods were not recovered as Ms Loran made her way out of the store bypassing all points of payment.

The court was told Ms Loran had seven previous convictions, the last in 2009.

Louis Kiernan, in defence, said his client had endured a “rough couple of years” with health related issues and regretted what had happened.

He also insisted the stolen goods were, in fact, recovered and said Ms Loran had come to court with €100 by way of compensation.

Ms Loran, who Mr Kiernan added was not in gainful employment, was also granted legal aid.

Judge Vincent Deane directed the €100 to be paid to Mullingar Meals on Wheels and struck out the summons, telling Ms Loran he didn’t “expect her back” in court.