A WOMAN admitted stealing clothes from Dunnes Stores in Macroom on two separate occasions.

Gwen Dineen (51), of Coornahahilly, Inchigeela, pleaded guilty at Macroom District Court to two theft charges.

The court heard that the defendant took a cardigan and sweat pants worth €47 on March 3rd 2026 without paying for them.

She stole €45 worth of clothes including a coat, shoes and a bag from the same store on March 11th 2024. 

During the earlier incident the accused was intercepted after going through the grocery section at Dunnes Stores and then arrested by gardaí.

Ms Dineen admitted the offence and said that she had a lot going on.

The items from the latest theft last month had not been recovered and the court heard that the defendant had a long history of theft offences dating back to 2004.

Defence solicitor Patrick Goold said his client was known to the Probation Service and had €50 in compensation with her in court. 

He said Ms Dineen suffers from depression and has to see her doctor every six months and in February her doctor reduced her medication, which had an effect on her. 

Judge Joanne Carroll noted that there was an admittance made after the 2024 incident, but that no goods were recovered after the 2026 incident. 

‘This has to be addressed and there cannot be any more thefts,’ warned Judge Carroll. ‘She has an interest in fashion and seems to take fashion items.’

Judge Carroll sentenced the accused to three months in prison but suspended  it for 12 months in relation to the 2024 incident, taking into consideration the more recent theft last month.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.