Young mum fined for thefts from Letterkenny shops

A mother-of-two who stole children’s toys, clothing and cosmetics from two shops in Letterkenny has been fined in court.

Simona Cirpaci appeared before Letterkenny District Court.

Cirpaci is charged with stealing toys and hair clips valued at €61.95 from TK Maxx and also with stealing €29 worth of cosmetics from Penneys.

A 31-year-old of Fortwell Court, Cirpaci pleaded guilty at Monday’s sitting of the court.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Cirpaci entered TK Maxx on February 11, 2023 at 4.30pm.

Cirpaci took four packets of hair clips and some children’s toys, placing them in a bag and leaving the store without paying.

When subsequently arrested, Cirpaci was said to be fully cooperative and the items were recovered and resaleable.

On March 15, 2023, Cirpaci entered Penneys at Letterkenny Shopping Centre, placed cosmetic items into her daughter’s hangbag before removing a price tag from a jumper and placing it on her daughter.

The incident was captured on CCTV and Cirpaci made full admissions.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Cirpaci, said his client was a mother-of-two who had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. This was, he said, Cirpaci’s first time before the court.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted Cirpaci and fined her €100 for the theft fro TK Maxx, allowing six months to pay with the Penney’s matter marked as taken into consideration.