A DISTRICT court judge expressed her astonishment that a woman who stole items from a Dunmanway supermarket, went back two weeks later to steal more groceries.

Judge Joanne Carroll was dealing with the case of Jenna Pierce who pleaded guilty at Clonakilty District Court to two theft charges.

Ms Pierce (34) with an address at apt 1, The Perrin Inn, Glengarriff entered Aldi in Dunmanway on September 13th last in the company of a man where they selected various items including cosmetics and clothing, valued at €71.76 and left the store without paying for them.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told the court that on Saturday September 27th a number of people entered the same supermarket and filled up two rucksacks full of groceries valued at €141.28.

‘They did pay for a small amount of groceries which they had in a trolley,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

The court heard that Ms Pierce was arrested on October 8th and made full admissions to gardai.  She has 77 previous convictions including 31 for thefts, two for burglary and 11 for public order offences.

Defence solicitor Conrad Murphy said his client had brought €80 into court and is hoping to come up with more money to compensate the supermarket.

‘She has had addiction issues including crack cocaine and heroin and has two children who were taken into care. She also went into treatment for six months,’ said Mr Murphy.

‘Not only did they steal items from the supermarket but went back again to steal from the same store,’ remarked Judge Carroll.

Judge Carroll directed the preparation of a probation report and remanded her on continuing bail to appear in court again on March 3rd 2026 where she is to produce €141 compensation or face a jail term.