Judge 'appalled' at woman who used children to commit thefts from Letterkenny shops

A woman who used children to steal goods from shops Letterkenny has appeared in court on a number of theft charges.

Katelyn Reilly appeared before Letterkenny District Court charged with stealing a range of goods from both Lidl and Dealz shops in the town.

The court was told the 31-year-old stole property including an Under Armour backpack and easter egg gifts to the value of €80 from Lidl on Pearse Road in Letterkenny on March 21, 2023.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that CCTV footage showed Reilly getting a child to conceal the items in a pram before the minor pushed the pram out of the shop.

Reilly was also charged with stealing assorted clothing valued at €100 from Dunnes Stores at Letterkenny Retail Park on May 11, 2024.

Sergeant Collins said that on this occasion, Reilly was filmed on CCTV filling a bag before giving it to a child to carry out of the shop.

Reilly, of Canal Road, Letterkenny, has no previous convictions.

The court was told that the minors involved in the case had been dealt with by the juvenile liaison scheme.

Solicitor for Reilly, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client had been suffering from mental health issues at the time and had pleaded at the first opportunity.

He added that he appreciated the court's view of such matters.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham said there was no question that the case was aggravated by the fact that children were used in the theft.

She added that she was "appalled" by what Reilly had done.

She asked "What kind of example is this and what kind of path is this leading children down.

"I'm just appalled by it and it is a very serious matter when a minor is asked to do something that is criminal."

Judge Cunningham said she was adjourning the case back to January 27, 2025 for a probation report adding: "I'm not impressed."