Mother slammed for shoplifting while accompanied by child

A mother of four has been censured by a judge for wheeling her child into a Mullingar store while strapped in a buggy in order to steal stationery.

Judge Bernadette Owens called into question the conduct of Diane Nevin (38) of Camlin Meadows, Farneyhoogan, Longford following her involvement in a shoplifting incident at Fagan’s Office Supplies, Mullingar on August 15, 2024.

Ms Nevin, a separated mother of fodzr, appeared at Mullingar District Court, where details surrounding her arrest were stated.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said CCTV footage showed Ms Nevin with a young child in a buggy when she committed the alleged offence. The court heard her three-year-old was in the buggy at the time.

That brought stinging criticism from the bench. “What kind of example is that setting?” Judge Owens asked.

Sgt Kenny outlined Ms Nevin’s 17 previous convictions, three of which were for similar theft related offences.

In defence, Diarmuid Quinn said Ms Nevin had been struggling financially at a time she had been anxious to procure an arts set for her youngest child.

“It was back to school time and she just didn’t have the money on her,” he said.

Mr Quinn said his client had come to court with compensation money.

“She has learned her lesson,” he said, before asking the court to adjourn proceedings to allow Ms Nevin further time to add to the €50 she had come to court with.

In adjourning the case for two months, Judge Owens turned down an application for Ms Nevin to be excused on the return date.

“No, because I haven’t decided what I am doing with this,” she told him. Ms Nevin was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on November 13.