A Ukrainian woman who arrived in Ireland less than three weeks before stealing almost €2,000 worth of luxury perfume from Brown Thomas has been jailed for a month.
Karina Petrosian (35), with an address at Seven Mills Block B, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty to stealing perfumes worth €1,810 from Brown Thomas in Dundrum on 7 June last.
Garda Jack Curley told Judge Anne Watkin that the stolen fragrances were from luxury brands including Creed, Yves Saint Laurent, Kilian Paris and Ex Nihilo.
Before making her plea, Petrosian had applied for bail at Dún Laoghaire District Court, with an interpreter assisting throughout proceedings.
Judge Watkin heard that Petrosian had arrived in Ireland from Ukraine on May 20 and had flights booked to Spain for the day after the theft.
Garda Curley objected to bail under the ‘O’Callaghan rules’, arguing that the defendant had no ties to the jurisdiction and had been due to leave the country on the day following the offence.
Michael O’Brien BL, counsel for the defence, said Petrosian had travelled to Ireland to visit her sister and nephew. Mr O’Brien said his client was an extremely poor woman, was ashamed of her actions and had been frank with the court.
The court heard that Petrosian claimed the perfumes were intended as gifts for her daughter in Ukraine.
Judge Watkin said she did not accept Petrosian’s version of events: “There were five or six bottles of perfume, they can’t all be gifts for her daughter. I’m not stupid”.
The defendant then admitted that she intended to sell some of the bottle of perfume.
Refusing bail, Judge Watkin said she was not satisfied Petrosian would return to court.
The judge noted that the accused had arrived in Ireland only weeks earlier, had committed a significant theft and was due to fly to Spain the following day.
Judge Watkin said the explanations being offered on Petrosian’s behalf lacked credibility.
“The more she says, the less I believe her story”, the judge remarked, before adding: “I don’t believe a word she says”.
Petrosian then opted to have the matter dealt with immediately, rather than remain in custody awaiting a probation report – which the court heard could take weeks to compile.
Judge Watkin then sentenced Petrosian to one month in prison, with legal aid granted.