Judge revokes bail for Letterkenny woman following alleged Tesco theft
A 29-year-old woman has been remanded in custody after allegedly committing a new theft just 24 hours after being granted bail for a previous matter, Donegal Daily reported. Siobhan Cawley appeared before Judge Emile Daly in the Letterkenny District Court on Thursday afternoon, facing a series of charges that span the first week of November.
The most recent charge involves the theft of groceries valued at €3.75 from a Tesco in Letterkenny on Wednesday, November 4. This incident followed an earlier charge involving the theft of cosmetics worth €180 from Boots in Letterkenny on Monday, November 2.
The circumstances of her arrest on November 5 have added a layer of complexity to the proceedings. Garda Kerry Leneghan provided evidence that during the arrest, Cawley refused to wear a seat belt, requiring officers to place it on her. The court heard that she was “highly abusive and insulting” toward the arresting officer during the encounter.
Bail conditions hinder legal process
The court was informed of several complicating factors that have hindered the standard judicial process. Due to an ongoing strike, Cawley’s solicitor, Mr. Rory O’Brien, was unable to represent her during the Thursday hearing. This lack of legal counsel coincided with significant concerns raised by Garda Sergeant Jim Collins regarding the stability of Cawley’s bail conditions.
Cawley had been granted bail on Tuesday, November 3, under specific conditions, including signing on twice a week at the Letterkenny Garda Station and a requirement not to commit further thefts. However, Sergeant Collins informed the court of an objection to bail and an application to revoke it, citing concerns that Cawley was not residing at the address provided to the court. Cawley stated she was at a different location to visit a partner.
The defense raised the issue of mental health and potential impulse control disorders. Cawley informed the court that she was awaiting an assessment for kleptomania and suggested that her current situation was being influenced by her medication.
“I feel that there is a lot going on with my medication. Take into my mental health and I am trying,” Cawley told the court.
While Cawley claimed she did not remember being in the Tesco at the time of the alleged theft, Judge Daly noted the strength of the evidence, including CCTV footage, and the high likelihood of reoffending. Consequently, the judge refused bail and revoked the previous bail arrangement. The court has directed that Cawley receive immediate medical attention following her remand.
| Date of Alleged Offence | Location | Items Involved | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 1 | Bookmark, Courtyard Shopping Centre | Two books | €40 |
| Monday, November 2 | Boots, Letterkenny | Cosmetics | €180 |
| Wednesday, November 4 | Tesco, Letterkenny | Groceries | €3.75 |
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