Woman stole purse containing £40 from place of employment

Pearl Louise Hallissey (33) of Princes Street, Lurgan, admitted the offence on October 4 last year.

The court heard that the manager of Savers shop in Market Street, Lurgan, discovered her purse was missing. It contained £40 in cash. It was found in the public toilets and CCTV showed the defendant take the purse from the store. She said she intended to take it back but got scared.

Hallissey had a suspended sentence hanging over her for a theft offence. Her solicitor said she had issues with mental health and alcohol consumption.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates pointed out that Hallissey had a suspended sentence for theft which was imposed in October, 2012, for three years.

Judge Bates said this was a clear warning but she had continued to offend in the manner so the court was left with no alternative.

For the theft he sentenced Hallissey to two months in prison and reduced the suspended sentence from nine to three months.