An Armagh woman who kicked a security guard after being caught stealing nappies from a Newry store has been ordered to pay a fine of £350.
The 22-year-old contested the assault, but upon viewing CCTV of the altercation the district judge simply stated: “I saw what I saw, she is guilty.”
Maureen Connors, of Navan Court, was charged with theft and common assault at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
In the absence of his client, defence barrister Conor Burns informed court that, whilst the theft was accepted, the defendant was contesting the charge of common assault.
The facts of the theft were not opened, but the particulars outline that on December 7, of 2019, Connors stole two packets of nappies to the total value of £6 from Sainsburys, Newry.
Mr Burns stated that the case could proceed upon District Judge Eamon King’s viewing of CCTV footage of the alleged assault on a security guard at the store.
Following this being done, the barrister commented: “The mechanics of the assault are not met, Ms Connors accepts waving her arms but the assault allegation is that she kicked him.”
However, District Judge King simply stated: “I saw what I saw, she is guilty.”
Mr Burns commented that this was a theft of “need” and the assault occurred following his client’s detection.
District Judge King ordered that Connors pay a fine of £350, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
