Woman stole over €200 of honey from Ballybofey shop had 'cough issues', court told

A Donegal woman who stole over €200 worth of honey from a Ballybofey supermarket was seeking therapy for ‘cough issues’, a court hard.

Kathleen McDonagh pleaded guilty to the theft when she appeared at Letterkenny District Court.

McDonagh, a 58-year-old mother of 11, was charged with stealing eight jars of Manuka honey to the value of €208 the property of Leon Alcorn/Supervalu Trusk Road Ballybofey.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2024. Sergeant Maurice Doyle told that court that Gardai called to her home and she handed over six of the jars, which were in resalable condition.

McDonagh was also charged in connection with the theft of bottles of soft drink, worth a combined €40, from Dealz, Letterkenny Retail Park.

The charges are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001

McDonagh, of The Big Isle, Letterkenny, spoke only to elect for the matters to be heard in the District Court and to tender a guilty plea.

Sergeant Doyle said McDonagh, who has 21 previous convictions, made full admissions when apprehended by Gardai.

Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for McDonagh, said his client has had mental health issues and has been dealing with a significant back problem that left her movement restricted.

“A part of the explanation is that she considered the honey to be therapeutic,” Mr Dorrian said, adding that his client has “a myriad of cough issues”.

“When Gardai came along, she was appropriately contrite. In the Dealz incident, she was in the company of another person and was assisting rather than being the principal participant.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said it was concerning that McDonagh has 21 previous convictions, nine of which were considered relevant.

Judge Cunningham adjourned the case until January 27, 2025 and directed the preparation of a probation and welfare report.