Husband and wife admit theft from Laois store
The couple appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A husband and wife appeared in court accused of stealing groceries from Aldi in Portarlington.
Guy Kalama (50) and Bijou Mabuta (44) of 72 Laurel Drive, Esker Hills, Portlaoise both pleaded guilty to stealing groceries valued at €71.90 from Aldi, Portarlington on August 14 last.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man was identified on CCTV going into Aldi and taking the groceries on the date in question at 2.45pm. The goods weren’t recovered. He said the man had one previous conviction for theft.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said “his wife seems to have been a participant” and he acknowledged, “they were dishonest. They took a chance”. He said the man was by no means a prolific shoplifter and he was offering a plea and had €72 in court.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man’s wife had two previous convictions for theft.
Mr Fitzgerald said there was “an element of financial desperation but the dishonesty is accepted” and he said the woman’s previous were of some vintage.
On hearing they were in receipt of social welfare, Judge Andrew Gubbins fined each of them €200 and granted legal aid.