A judge has warned a pregnant woman that she will face jail if she steals again, after rejecting her claim that she was distracted by funeral arrangements following the death of her father-in-law, remarking: “She wasn’t thinking about a funeral. She had a pair of shoes on her mind”.
Emma Baker (33), with an address in Tallaght, Dublin 24 pleaded guilty to stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre.
Defending counsel, Michael O’Brien BL, told Dún Laoghaire District Court that the offences occurred on August 12, 2025, the same day Baker learned that her father-in-law had died.
Judge Anne Watkin responded: “And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes?”
Mr O’Brien said Baker had funeral arrangements on her mind at the time.
The judge replied: “She didn’t have only funeral arrangements on her mind. She had a pair of shoes on her mind.”
Mr O’Brien said Baker had no issues with drugs or alcohol, was unemployed and was heavily pregnant. He told the court she was due to give birth “any day now”.
Judge Watkin noted Baker had previously avoided convictions on two occasions.
“She has gotten away with it twice before. She shouldn’t get away with it again,” the judge said.
“I will give you one more chance. If you’re caught again, you’ll face jail.”
The judge directed Baker to co-operate fully with the Probation Service and placed her on a probation bond for one year.