Stole scarf by 'mistake'
Lorraine Collins and Glenn Ryan at the McCabe's Pharmacy Heineken Cup Haiti Appeal in the Pavilions.
Wednesday March 10 2010
A MOTHER-OF-ONE, who stole a scarf from a Swords clothing store by 'mistake', has been fined € 150 after failing to make a charitable contribution. Charlene Douaouda, Cherry Avenue, was due before Judge Patrick Brady at Swords District Court last week, but did not appear.
In February, 27-yearold Douaouda had pleaded guilty to the theft of a scarf worth € 13, from the Zara outlet at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords. Sgt Paul Madden previously told the court he had evidence of the accused's arrest, charge and caution by certificate, adding it may have been dealt with under the Adult Caution Scheme (ACS). Judge Brady adjourned the case in order to ascertain if it could be disposed of in that manner. On that date, Sgt Madden said Douaouda was not suitable for the ACS and the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, which the court heard was of a 'minor' nature. Defending the accused, solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said her client had a five-year-old child and was waiting to start a hairdressing course.
'She was in the shop and purchased a number of items,' Ms D'Arcy said, handing in a receipt. 'It was a complete mistake she neglected to pay for the item.
'It was a genuine mistake and I would ask you to consider leaving her without a conviction.'
Judge Brady acknowledged the property had been recovered and resalable and told Douaouda he would award the Probation Act if she made a € 150 contribution to the local St Vincent de Paul branch, adjourning the case until last Wednesday for payment. However, the defendant failed to appear last week and the judge instead imposed a € 150 fine, with a month to pay.
