A Newry teenager who stole from two stores at Buttercrane shopping centre in one day has been handed a conditional discharge.
The 18-year-old’s barrister told court: “She is remorseful and embarrassed but she says she had no other option to pay for it at the time.”
Mary Teelan, of Carrick Vista, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, via videolink from her solicitor’s office.
None of the facts in the case were heard, however, as the charges were read it was revealed that on March 30, of last year, the defendant stole two double duvet covers to the total value of £19.98 belonging to Harry Corry’s, Hill Street, Newry.
Then, on December 16 at Buttercrane shopping centre, she stole two bottles of shampoo to the total value of £52.00 belonging to Sallys and magnesium tablets valued at £18.49 from Holland and Barrett.
Defence barrister Conor Byrne stated: “She has nothing else outstanding. The delay in these cases had been CCTV but once this was looked at, pleas were entered.
“She is now 18, turning 19 in December. When asked about these thefts she said they were made as she was in financial difficulty.”
He added: “She is remorseful and embarrassed but she says she had no other option to pay for it at the time”.
Teelan was handed a conditional discharge for two years and was ordered to pay compensation of £19.98 to Harry Corry’s, £18.49 to Holland and Barrett and £52.00 to Sallys.
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