Sunday 1 November 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. 23289Possessing stolen property and directing a child to commit theft · Co. Laois · 8 Aug 2025

Woman pleads guilty to directing child to commit theft at Shaws, Portlaoise

A 37-year-old woman with a Laois address pleaded guilty at Portlaoise District Court to possessing stolen property and directing a child to commit theft at Shaws, Portlaoise on 8 August 2025. Judge Andrew Gubbins adjourned the case to 16 November 2026 and requested a letter from Tusla regarding the children involved.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe woman entered the store with two children. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatOne child put multiple cosmetic items in a bag, as seen on CCTV. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe accused was seen looking in the bag before leaving the store without paying. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatA number of the stolen items but not all were recovered. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe woman has 20 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatOnly one of her previous convictions is under theft and fraud offences. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe woman has mental health issues and physical issues. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe theft took place at Shaws, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe theft occurred on 8 August 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationTusla were notified, investigated the matter, and closed the file. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe woman is accused of possessing stolen property and directing a child to commit theft. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe woman pleaded guilty to the offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Gubbins requested a letter from Tusla on the matter. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtReporting restrictions were imposed preventing the woman or her children from being named. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 16 November. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 4 Oct2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Judge seeks Tusla letter in Laois child theft case

    First court appearance; guilty plea entered; judge requested Tusla letter on extent of their investigation; reporting restrictions imposed; case adjourned to 16 November 2026.

    accused, 37, femalesuspect