'Shopkeepers have to be protected': Women jailed for theft of clothes and food in Cork 

Shopkeepers have to be protected from shoplifting, a district court judge said as she jailed a young woman for stealing clothes from Penney’s and food from Dealz.

Judge Marie Keane jailed 31-year-old Kya Staunton for four months for the thefts at Cork District Court.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the homeless young woman found herself without social welfare for a period and he said the goods stolen by the accused were small quantities of food and clothing.

Judge Marie Keane said of the 31-year-old, “This lady has a dreadful record for theft… Shopkeepers have to be protected.” 

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said clothing was stolen from Penney’s on St. Patrick’s Street and food was taken from Dealz at Queen’s Old Castle.

The same defendant had numerous previous theft convictions.

Mr Buttimer said, “She has educational and social difficulties. She is from West Cork and has substantially lost contact with her family in Skibbereen.

“She would be on the street or availing of the night shelter in Simon. She does not avail of any other services offered by the Simon Community.

“At this time she ran into difficulty with social welfare and she stole clothing and food.”