Ireland Two women plead guilty to theft from Ballybofey supermarket
Patricia Sweeney and Bernadette McGahern, shop assistants and co-workers, were charged with stealing an unknown amount of money and goods from Solo Stores at Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey, County Donegal, between 1 January and 31 March 2019. Both women, who are reported to have no previous convictions, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court, where they pleaded guilty to sample charges of theft and compensation of an unstated amount was agreed. The defence asked for the case to be put back to January 2026 with a mention in October, and the judge ordered a probation and welfare report in each case, including suitability for community service. The latest reported development, in a June 2025 report, is that no sentence has been given yet.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court5 Jun
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two women pleaded guilty to stealing money and goods from a supermarket where they worked.
- Other details
- The two women are Patricia Sweeney and Bernadette McGahern, described as shop assistants and co-workers.
- Both women are reported to have no previous convictions.
- Compensation of an amount not stated was agreed.
- The case was first reported by Donegal Live on 6 June 2025.
- Where
- The theft was from Solo Stores at Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey, County Donegal.
- When
- The offences were alleged to have occurred between 1 January and 31 March 2019.
- Charges
- Both women were charged with stealing an unknown amount of money and goods from Solo Stores.
- Both women pleaded guilty to sample charges of theft.
- In court
- Both women appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court and spoke only to plead guilty to the charges.
- The defence asked for the case to be put back to January 2026, with a mention in October.
- The judge requested a probation and welfare report in each case, including suitability for community service.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTwo women pleaded guilty to stealing money and goods from a Ballybofey supermarket where they worked. (donegallive.ie)
- whatThe women are charged with stealing an unknown amount of money and goods from Solo Stores. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe theft was from Solo Stores at Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe offences were alleged to have occurred between 1 January and 31 March 2019. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe women pleaded guilty to sample charges of theft. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe women appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court. (donegallive.ie)
- courtBoth women spoke only to plead guilty to the charges. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe defence asked for the case to be put back to January 2026, with a mention in October. (donegallive.ie)
- courtThe judge requested a probation and welfare report in each case, including suitability for community service. (donegallive.ie)
- otherBoth women are reported to have no previous convictions. (donegallive.ie)
- otherCompensation of an amount not stated was agreed. (donegallive.ie)
- otherSweeney and McGahern are described as shop assistants and co-workers. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 5 Jun2025Shop assistants plead guilty to theft from Ballybofey supermarket
First report of this case. Adds the court appearance, guilty pleas, the 2019 date range, the accused's addresses, agreed compensation, and the adjournment and welfare report order.
accused, Patricia Sweeney, 60s, female, named, irish (judged from name)Patricia Sweeneyaccused, Bernadette McGahern, 60s, female, named, irish (judged from name)Bernadette McGahernvictim, Connell Lavelle, irish (judged from name)Connell Lavelle