Woman locks up shop in Midlands after stealing Buzzballz, wine and crisps

A woman who stole cans of Buzzballz, wine, crisps and a fruit jar from a store in the Midlands was reminded she had been banned during a trial.

Zoe Maher (24) of White Horse Lodge, Flat 2, Mountrath admitted three cans of Buzzballz alcoholic drink, three bottles of I Heart wine, a six pack of Walkers crisps and a fruit jar with a combined value of €48.47 from Mighty Mols to have stolen in Mountrath on July 16 last.

She breached the authority at Might Mols and displayed threatening or abusive behavior on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise and on July 29, 2024, caused criminal damage to a patrol car by putting saliva on a headrest on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise.

Garda Hogan told a hearing of Portlaoise Court that the woman had entered the store and stolen products. She was identified by the manager and was excluded. Despite a ban, the woman entered the store.

He said while being taken to Portlaoise Garda Station she was threatening and abusive and the woman caused criminal damage to the patrol car.

“They haven’t had any problems with her in the store since,” Garda Hogan said. He said the cost of cleaning the car was €79.45 and the theft from the shop was €48.47.

Defense lawyer Philip Meagher said his client pleaded guilty to the offences.

He said the woman, who receives Jobseeker’s Allowance of €140 a week after her accommodation costs, was under personal pressure and had used alcohol as a crutch.

“She has now completely given up alcohol,” he said. “She has taken a total of €170 to court,” Meagher said.

In relation to the headrest, Mr Meagher said “her mouth came into contact with the headrest and saliva was discharged” and he did not expect the woman to bother the court again. He said the €170 was indicative of a genuine effort by his client.

Judge Susan Fay said the amount did not go far enough. She ordered the woman to pay 200 euros to Little Blue Heroes, along with damages of 48.47 euros.

Garda Hogan reminded the woman that “she remains excluded from the property”.

The woman confirmed that she would not return to Mighty Mols.

Judge Fay referred the case back to Portlaoise District Court on December 16 for payment of the remainder of the damages. She said if payment was not made, she would convict the woman and fine her €400.