A woman who stole more than €1,200 worth of clothing from Marks and Spencer has been fined €1,500 by a judge at Dún Laoghaire District Court.
Susan McCullough (41), with an address at Sweetbriar Lane, Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to theft at Marks and Spencer, Dundrum Town Centre, on April 23, 2025.
The court heard the value of the stolen items was €1,254.10 and consisted of a number of items of clothing.
Defence counsel, Michael O’Brien BL, said McCullough had recently started a new job and had been experiencing significant personal difficulties at the time of the offence.
He said she had been caring for her grandfather, was struggling with her mental health and was dealing with grief following the death of her grandmother, who had raised her.
The court was told that McCullough had issues with alcohol at the time and she accepted she did not have “a very good excuse” for the theft, which was for her own use.
Counsel said McCullough had stopped drinking two to three weeks after the incident and had since engaged with Pieta House and counselling services.
A letter from McCullough’s GP was handed to the court, outlining that she suffered with anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation.
Judge Anne Watkin noted the value of the goods exceeded €1,000 and described the items as expensive. She said the offence was serious but acknowledged the steps McCullough had taken since.
Judge Watkin imposed a €1,500 fine and warned Ms McCullough it was the “last time” she would be dealt with by way of such punishment. The judge allowed the fine to be paid over six months.