Thousands spent chasing woman who stole alcohol valued at €37 from Laois shops

A Judge said thousands of euros was probably spent “chasing around” a woman who was accused of public order offences and stealing alcohol worth €37. 

Chantelle Cash O’Brien (26) of 29 Churchfield Heights, Castletown appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where she admitted stealing an €11.99 bottle of wine from Mighty Mols in Mountrath and alcohol valued at €14.98 from Spar Express in Mountrath on March 14, 2023. 

The defendant also admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Churchfield Heights and at Market Square in Mountrath where she was also guilty of obstruction on the same day. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty and had handed €50 in to the court. He said a probation report had also been ordered and he said his client had issues with her mental health. 

He said at the time of the offending she had been grieving the death of her father. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the amount of bench warrants that had been issued for the defendant. She said a lot of money would have been spent on bench warrants and paper work.

“It is probably thousands that has been spent,” said Judge Fay. 

“It could be better spent than chasing you around,” she remarked. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was living in a caravan in Celbridge at present. He said the Churchfield Heights address was her mother’s house.

“An awful lot of time and money has been spent tracking you down,” said Judge Fay. 

She ordered a probation report and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 16.