Kildare woman with ‘brain fog’ stole from Aldi

A woman with ‘brain fog’ admitted stealing from Aldi in Portarlington on three occasions.

Patricia Byrne (66) of Highview House, Kildrumman, Bracknagh, Kildare pleaded guilty to stealing groceries valued at €62.99 on dates on August 14, 19 and 21 this year.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the defendant went into the shop and placed items in a bag.

She paid for a number of the items but didn’t pay for all of them.

He explained that the woman would have been entitled to an adult caution in relation to one of the offences but she had received one before.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the woman had brought €70 to court and was willing to make a further donation.

She said the woman has “brain fog” which she believed was a recognised condition.

“Did that contribute,” asked Judge Andrew Gubbins.

Ms Fitzpatrick said her instructions were that it was a contributory factor in the offending.

“I have a sum of €100. I am not looking for change,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

She said the woman admitted to the offending and didn’t seek disclosure.

“She said she hasn’t had a night’s sleep since,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

“She did return to the shop and tried to make good,” said Ms Fitzpatrick, who explained that the shop was unable to accept the money as proceedings were underway.

“Your client might make a charitable donation to St Vincent de Paul in the sum of €400.

“If that is paid I will be willing to invoke the Section 11,” said Judge Gubbins.

He said she was entitled to Section 1.1 of the Probation Act because she had no previous convictions.

The woman paid €400 to St Vincent de Paul before the end of the court sitting and was dealt with through the Probation Act.