Judge tells defendant: "I don't do tears"

A woman has been told “she has ran out of excuses” after pleading guilty to charges of theft and criminal damage.

The case of Keara McKeown, (26), of Greers Road, Dungannon, was heard at Craigavon Courthouse on Friday, January 21.

The court heard that on December 30, 2020, police were tasked to Home Bargains in Portadown regarding a theft of fabric conditioner, razors and lip balm to the value of £10.22. On arrival, police spoke to the lead salesperson who advised them that staff had sighted the female leaving the store without paying and that they didn’t have the time to get her detained.

CCTV footage was seized and the defendant was identified and during notebook interview she denied the offences.

Furthermore, on April 24, 2021, police attended an address in Portadown following a report of criminal damage that occurred at 8:30am. On that date, in the communal area outside a flat, the occupant of the address stated that he heard Miss McKeown shouting outside before hearing a smash.

When he went to investigate, he saw the defendant walk away from his property and he encountered a small ornamental dog to the value of around £10.00 had been smashed at his front door.

In her defence, a solicitor stated that McKeown – who was visibly emotional in court – was fearful of losing her liberty and that she wants to make “a fresh start” by working with probation.

District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “I don’t do tears of any description and if you are going to be someone who continues to breach the criminal law – in your case – by going shopping without money, you will go to prison.

“I have to say that everyone of my colleagues that has dealt with you up to you have been extremely benign as you have not learned from a single one of it.

“The only sentence left for you is a period of custody but I’m going to give you a chance to prove me wrong.

“That’s going to require a lot on your part.”

The Judge deferred sentencing until April 29 and warned McKeown that she will be incarcerated if she comes before the attention of the police.