Woman stole £1,200 of goods during 'shoplifting expedition'

Sentencing was deferred on Kathleen Marie Mongan (18), from White Rise, Dunmurry, after she admitted seven theft charges, when she appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court.

The court was told that the thefts took place in seven different stores in Ballymena on October 14 and included thefts to the total value of 520 from one shop and 330 from another store.

Barrister Neil Rafferty said a probation report had found that Mongan had been “used by her immediate and extended family” to commit offences.

Mr Rafferty also described Mongan as “very easily led” and with “a weak personality”.

District Judge Des Perry described the incident as an “intentional shoplifting expedition by you and a number of members of your family”.

Deferring sentence until February 10, he warned Mongan that any further offending in the intervening period would lead to an “immediate and substantial” period of imprisonment.