A judge has warned a woman convicted of theft for the seventh time that she would send her to prison “for as long as I can” if the defendant reoffended, after she admitted stealing €885 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores.
Elisabeta Silaghi (43), of Kiltipper Grove, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to the theft offence at Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt, Dublin 18, on 20 December, 2024.
Judge Anne Watkin heard Silaghi has 21 previous convictions, including six for theft, three public order offences as well as begging offences and offences relating to trading without a licence or failing to display a trader’s licence.
David Nally BL, defending, said his client was pleading guilty, was very apologetic and had accepted responsibility for her actions.
Counsel said Silaghi is raising her five-year-old child alone, is unemployed and reliant on social welfare.
Describing €885 as “a significant amount”, the judge noted that this was Silaghi’s seventh theft conviction and that her last theft conviction resulted in a fine.
“You keep getting away with it,” Judge Watkin said. Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, the judge placed Silaghi on a probation bond.
Silaghi was directed to notify the Probation Service of any change of address or phone number.
Warning the defendant that she had been given a final opportunity to avoid prison, Judge Watkin said: “If you break this bond, you’ll go to jail for as long as I can send you”.
The judge added: “You won’t get a break like that again. One more time and it’s jail”.