Probation report will provide ‘colour and background’ to offending

A woman due to be sentenced for her part in a number of thefts from shops in Mullingar and two neighbouring towns has been ordered to engage with Probation Services to put some “colour and background” to her offending.

Zeta Keenan (32) 37 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, Longford pleaded guilty to four separate incidents of shoplifting, totalling more than €500 at various outlets in the town between July 13 and December 16 last year.

They included thefts from Dealz, Pearse Street, Mullingar, Homesavers, Lakepoint Retail Park, Spar, Main Street, Rochfortbridge, Westmeath and a second Homesavers store at Golden Island, Athlone, Westmeath.

The bulk of the items stolen were groceries, worth a total of €508.

Defence counsel, Ross Nestor, BL, asked the court to consider directing a probation report before making a ruling.

He said it could prove useful in “putting colour and background to these offences” given that they occurred at a time when Ms Keenan was trying her best to provide for her young children.

Judge Owens agreed to that proposal and directed a “pre-sentencing” probation report.

Ms Keenan was remanded on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on March 12 next year for finalisation.