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A pregnant woman has been jailed for two months for opening a tube of Pringles at a supermarket without paying for them.

Newlywed Kathleen McDonagh was sentenced for criminal damage after taking the lid off the crisp container at a Tesco in Ireland.

The 25-year-old was banned from the store as a result of previous offences when she opened the  tube, a court was told.

A judge at Cork District Court said McDonagh had 31 previous convictions and suspended sentences did not seem to work for her, the Mirror reported.

The court heard McDonagh picked up the crisps and went to pay for them when she was spotted by staff who knew about her ban.

The supermarket workers told her to leave but she instead took the lid off the can and unwrapped the foil.

She reportedly told staff: ‘I opened it so you have to let me pay for it.’

She pleaded guilty to criminal damage as the tube could not be put back on sale.

Her lawyer told the court that the hairdressing student was five months pregnant and had suffered from anxiety-related issues.

But the judge said the collection of previous offences meant a jail sentence was required.

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  • Sounds like she hasn’t been able to pay when she’s done it before. Hope she learns her lesson.

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  • She should be out of jail before her baby is born. It seems she shouldn’t be allowed to go shopping on her own. This is one case where a person should be compelled to have counselling before being released. Mums often care for their babies in jail if they are born just before or during their time in jail if they are breastfeeding. (that seems to be the procedure in SA)

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  • Obviously a lot more to it I hope she can turn things around before her baby is born.

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  • Normally I’d say this was crazy however it sounds like it’s not her first offence.

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  • Seems a little intense but hopefully baby is ok and she learned a lesson

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  • She sounds like a serial troublemaker to me. I think it was just. Probably used her pregnancy for sympathy votes.

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  • Considering her previous offences, I think the sentence was fair.

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  • She sounds like a real trouble-maker! Who gets banned from a supermarket?!

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  • I agree with this sentence.
    She had 31 previous convictions and suspended sentences did not seem to work for her.
    I’m sad for this lady but when she has been warned, she should have know this can’t go on.
    I hope & pray this is a wake up call for her and that she seeks and gets sufficient help.
    The previous convictions could indicate she has kleptomania, which is compulsive stealing. Behind compulsion is often an anxiety and fear to lose control.
    One of my foster daughters has kleptomania, since September till now she has taken over 400 items !! I fear she’ll end up in the Juvenile system. She’s only 8yrs old.
    :(

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  • they should have let her pay for it then reminded her of the ban or something, they could still have had her charged before she did that too

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  • Seems like a harsh sentence for a small offence when you consider some of the lame sentences handed down for much worse crimes!


    • I do agree with being surprised by some other sentences being small for particular crimes. I never understand the legal system and the sentences for some crimes.

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  • Senasationalised article for click bait.

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  • Well she was warned over and over again

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  • The article indicates there is a history and more layers to this story. I do feel sorry for her being pregnant and going to jail – surely not pleasant.

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  • Most mums are all going to get arrested then ! i cant count how many times i have opened something for my 20 month old to eat just to survive the shopping trip! I think i have even busted open a packet of Pringles before so this is just silly!!!!! All mums should stand up for the sister hood and say crunch for that poor woman!


    • It is not my intent to offend you in any way and I am not sure if or on how many instances you have actually paid for your child’s food then resumed your shopping but opening and eating products before paying for them is thief.



      • Yes sure, probably there are many mums who open packages for their bubs before paying for it. But I’m sure that those who know right from wrong, will take the empty wrappers and pay for them after bubs consumed it.

    Reply

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