A Moy Park employee who stole a colleague’s bank cards and used them to purchase goods has been sentenced to nine months probation.
The 45-year-old’s barrister told court: “This is a strange case as it is not something which is typical of this lady and that is shown in the report from probation which stated there is a low likelihood of her re-offending.”
Magdalena Kurowska, of Charles Baron Mews in Lurgan, appeared for sentencing on theft, criminal damage and two counts of fraud by false representation at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Wednesday via videolink from her solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on May 29, police were contacted by the injured party who stated that they had left their mobile phone, valued at £180, in the bathroom at their employer’s in Moy Park.
When they returned the mobile had been taken. It was later recovered but was damaged beyond repair and debit cards which had been inside the cover had been stolen.
The injured party had called to cancel the stolen cards to find that they had been used at two Costcutter stores in Lurgan with charges to the total value of £44.45.
Checks were carried out and the defendant was subsequently identified as the culprit.
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay stated: “This is a strange case as it is not something which is typical of this lady and that is shown in the report from probation which stated there is a low likelihood of her re-offending.
“She was reported to have been crying during her probation appointment, such is the shame which she has brought on both herself and her son. It was spur of the moment but certainly not a nice thing to do.”
He continued: “She lost her job as a result of this and now will have a record for acts of dishonesty. She is a Polish national who has lived here for 13 years with her son, who is now 26.”
Deputy District Judge Alan White stated: “You are entitled to credit for your guilty plea. I have taken into account what is said in the report and what Mr Lindsay has said on your behalf.”
Kurowska was sentenced to nine months probation. She was also ordered to pay compensation in the sum of £180 to the injured party and £44.45 to Costcutter.
