A heavily-pregnant woman who stole groceries from a local store after her partner left has been fine £150.
Court heard the 23-year-old’s partner left for his native Dublin, allegedly taking with him all cards and cash, after she discovered he was allegedly using drugs.
Pamela Kelly Jesus Da Silva, of Carrickblacker Road, Portadown pleaded guilty to theft at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on September 9, staff at Sainsbury’s, Rushmere, detained the defendant after she attempted to leave the store without paying for items.
CCTV showed Da Silva place several items in her trolley before going through the self-checkout without paying for some of them.
The cost of the stolen groceries was around £25.74 and all were fit for resale.
When interviewed, the defendant claimed that she had forgotten that they were in her trolley.
Defence solicitor Philip Reid claimed in court: “There was a lot more going on than what the interview reveals. Ms Da Silva had just found out that her partner was using drugs.
“He had gone to Dublin, where he is originally from, taking with him any cash or cards that were in the house.”
He said: “Ms Da Silva is on immigration bail. She is appealing her removal as an over-stayer.
“At the time she was heavily pregnant and this was a low-value theft of food.”
Mr Reid added: “Her partner is now back and receiving treatment. She gave birth to her child three weeks ago and has a race to run with regards to the immigration.
“She is not entitled to ESA and is stuck in a limbo status with no income.”
District Judge Peter King stated: “This is a very sad case. This was the theft of food which was recovered.
“You have no record in the country and as a low-value first offence I am going to deal with it by the way of a fine.”
Da Silva was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 26 weeks.
