Women in court over deception at Dunnes in Letterkenny get chance to avoid conviction

Two women have been given a chance to get the benefit of the Probation Act after appearing in court charged with deception.

The duo were before Letterkenny District Court having altered tags on items at Dunnes Stores in Letterkenny.

Daniela Covaciu, a 23-year-old of Fortwell House, Letterkenny and Sarah Carpaci, a 25-year-old of Fortwell Apartments, Leterkenny, were charged with making gain or causing loss by deception. The charge is contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

Both women pleaded guilty.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle said the pair had entered Dunnes Stores at Forte Shopping Centre on February 4, 2023. They were observed altering tags on cream throws. While they paid money for the items, the shop was at a loss of €60.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor representing both Covaciu and Carpaci, said his clients have ‘moved away from influences that were there’. He said both women are married with young children.

“A more senior lady in all of this has been dealt with,” said Mr Gallagher, adding that the pair have been in Letterkenny for most of their lives having moved from Romania and have not come to adverse attention since.

Judge Ciaran Liddy accepted jurisdiction. He said if they each paid €200 to Little Blue Heroes he would apply the Probation Act. A default order of a €200 fine was imposed and the case was adjourned until March 25.