This article is from page 16 of the 2012-05-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A SLOVAKIAN mother of two described in court as a “menace to the town” has received a two month prison sentence after being convicted of possessing stolen property in Ennis.
Eva Makulova (31), with an address at 3 Hazelwood, Clon Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft and one charge of possessing stolen property at locations in Ennis over a 16-day period earlier this year.
Details of the charges against Ms Makulova were heard at Ennis District Court on Tuesday.
The court heard that Ms Makulova stole € 108 worth of children’s clothes from Dunnes Stores on Feb- ruary 17; perfume worth € 52 from Boots Chemist, on February 24 and perfume worth € 56 from Boots Chemist on February 25.
Ms Makulova, who has no previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to possessing stolen property valued at 412 euros at Lower Market Street, Ennis on March 3, knowing the property was stolen or being reckless as to whether it was stolen.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the perfume found in the accused’s possession had been taken from Rochford’s Pharmacy, Ennis on February 29. The items were recovered and are re-saleable, he said.
Solicitor Tara Godfrey said Ms Makulova had stolen from Dunnes because she did not have money to buy clothes for her children. She said the clothes were recovered.
Ms Godfrey said her client, who is unemployed, had not been in receipt of social welfare at the time and had struggled to provide for her children. Ms Godfrey said the offences had occurred at a time when Ms Makulova’s husband was in prison.
She said her client had been compelled to steal out of a “victorian necessity” arising from “these hard times we live in.”
Insp Kennedy said he rejected Ms Godfrey’s depiction of Ms Makulova’s personal circumstances.
He said he disagreed that she was in “dire needs” and that no evidence of the unavailability of social welfare had been brought to court.
He said Ms Makulova had stolen “high value” goods.
He added, “I’m saying Ms Makulova is a thief and menace to this town.” Judge Patrick Durcan said he had to balance these “serious offences of a larcenous nature” with Ms Makulova’s guilty plea, good record and personal circumstances.
He applied the probation act in respect of the theft from Dunnes Store. Judge Durcan imposed separate fines of € 100 and € 200 in respect of the thefts from Boots. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal in both fines.
A two-month prison sentence was imposed for possessing of stolen property. Recogances were fixed in the event of an appeal.