Banbridge woman stole jeans and bras

Josephine Hoey (35), Chestnut Place, Banbridge, admitted stealing jeans valued at £24.99 from DV8 on November 25 this year.

She also pleaded guilty to the theft of bras from Tescos on the same date.

The court heard that she took the underwear from Tescos on the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, and left without paying.

She then went into DV8 where she took a pair of jeans. A store supervisor followed her to another shop and challenged her.

Police were called and the underwear was found in her bag. She admitted taking the underwear but said she had paid for the child’s clothes.

A solicitor for Hoey said she had a long history of drugs problems and depression.

She explained that the defendant had now been drug free for a three year period. She had been feeling low that day and had taken some alcohol.