An habitual thief accused of stealing from Asda on six separate occasions has been told “she has run out of road” as she was denied bail.
Keara Elsha Nora McKeown, of Obins Avenue in Portadown, is accused of stealing goods from Asda in Portadown on six separate occasions between December 12, 2024 and January 12, 2025.
The alleged thefts range from £7 to £58.
The 29-year-old – who has amassed 64 convictions, 19 of which relate to theft – appeared in Armagh Magistrates’ Court via videolink from Lurgan custody suite on Tuesday.
Constable Ryan O’Neill told the court that he attended Asda and viewed the footage and spoke to staff members.
He noted that the defendant had an “extensive record” and was being managed by himself in the reduced offending unit.
“She has been given quite a few opportunities in the recent past,” he said. “She doesn’t seem to be taking these opportunities and has continued to offend and as police we would have to protect these companies as they’re obviously in the business of making money which they are not if people are just going into steal whenever they see fit.”
Paddy Taggart, defending, admitted his client had an “appalling” record highlighting many issues in her background including the loss of a child and loss of another to adoption but noted that previous diifficulties in getting McKeown to court had improved in recent times.
However, District Judge Anne Marshall, referenced a suspended sentence of eight months she received in September.
“She’s run out of road today and I’m afraid the risk of her reoffending is simply too high,” said the judge.
“Normally the courts try to work with people, and eventually, sometimes we just all run out of road. So I don’t think you’ll be surprised to know you’re not going to bail today.”
McKeown was remanded into custody until her next court appearance in Craigavon on January 24.
