Woman deported from US to face theft charges in Cork - including stealing two hams

A 25-year-old woman has been deported from the US to Ireland to face outstanding theft charges in Cork — including stealing two hams and cosmetics more than seven years ago.

Garda Pat Costello told Cork District Court yesterday that he arrested Ciocolata Munteanu at Dublin Airport on Tuesday when she arrived on a deportation flight.

“The circumstances are that she was deported back from America by American authorities, and we were alerted to her arrival. She was deported on a flight from LA yesterday from the US after five years. Her whole family were there for the last six years,” said Garda Costello.

Dennis Healy, solicitor, said: “She will enter a plea of guilty. She needs a couple of days to get the money together. I would ask for one week.”

There was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail on conditions. They include living at 50 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork; signing daily at Bridewell Garda Station; and not to leave the jurisdiction.

Mr Healy said she was without a passport.

Ciocolata Munteanu at Dublin Airport on Tuesday when she arrived on a deportation flight.

On November 27, 2018, Munteanu stole two hams valued at €80. 

On January 24, 2019, she stole €264 worth of cosmetics at Boots, Blackpool, Cork.

She pleaded guilty to those thefts at Cork District Court on Wednesday.