Naas judge calls for on-the-spot fines for small thefts to stop courts being clogged up

A Naas judge has called for on-the-spot fines for minor shop-lifting offences to speed up prosecutions.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said small-time thefts of less than €100 were taking up valuable space for serious crimes in court lists.

He made the comments as he presided over charges against a woman stealing €11 worth of clothes from Penneys in Newbridge.

He said: "I've been saying this for many years and nobody listens.

"Thefts at the low end such as less than €100, gardai should have the power to impose fines.

"It is a system in place in many European countries."