Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18412Deception · Co. Donegal · 4 Feb 2023

Two women plead guilty to deception at Dunnes Stores in Letterkenny

Daniela Covaciu, 23, and Sarah Carpaci, 25, both of Letterkenny, were charged with making gain or causing loss by deception over altered tags on items at Dunnes Stores at Forte Shopping Centre in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on 4 February 2023. Both women pleaded guilty before Letterkenny District Court, as reported on 4 February 2024, and the judge indicated the Probation Act would apply if each paid €200 to Little Blue Heroes. A default order of a €200 fine was imposed and the case was adjourned until March 25, which is the latest development reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court4 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The women were observed altering tags on cream throws, and the reports say they altered tags on items at the shop.
Where
The incident took place at Dunnes Stores at Forte Shopping Centre in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
When
The women entered the shop on 4 February 2023.
Charges
The women were charged under section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, with making gain or causing loss by deception.
Other details
  • The first suspect is Daniela Covaciu, 23, of Fortwell House, Letterkenny.
  • The second suspect is Sarah Carpaci, 25, of Fortwell Apartments, Letterkenny.
  • The women paid for the items, but the shop was at a loss of €60.
  • According to their solicitor, the women had moved from Romania and had not come to adverse attention since.
In court
  • The two women appeared before Letterkenny District Court, as reported on 4 February 2024.
  • Both women pleaded guilty.
  • The judge accepted jurisdiction and said he would apply the Probation Act if each woman paid €200 to Little Blue Heroes.
Sentence
  • A default order of a €200 fine was imposed.
  • The case was adjourned until March 25.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe women were observed altering tags on cream throws. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe incident took place at Dunnes Stores at Forte Shopping Centre in Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe women entered the shop on 4 February 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe charge is under section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtTwo women appeared before Letterkenny District Court charged with making gain or causing loss by deception. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtBoth women pleaded guilty. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge accepted jurisdiction and said he would apply the Probation Act if each woman paid €200 to Little Blue Heroes. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceA default order of a €200 fine was imposed and the case was adjourned until March 25. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe women paid for the items, but the shop was at a loss of €60. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe women had moved from Romania and had not come to adverse attention since, according to their solicitor. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Feb2024
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Women in court over deception at Dunnes in Letterkenny get chance to avoid conviction

    First report of this court appearance: both women pleaded guilty, the judge indicated the Probation Act would apply on payment of €200 each to Little Blue Heroes, and the case was adjourned to March 25.

    accused, Daniela Covaciu, 23, female, named, non-irish (judged from name)Daniela Covaciuaccused, Sarah Carpaci, 25, female, named, non-irish (judged from name)Sarah Carpaci