An optometrist from Ukraine has been given the benefit of the Probation Act after appearing in court for theft.
Tamara Piliuk appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with stealing groceries.
The 71-year-old, of Orchard Crescent, High Road, Letterkenny, was charged with the theft of various groceries, valued at €17.05, from Dunnes Stores, Fort Lynn Shopping Centre, on March 28, 2025.
When put on her election before Judge Eiteáin Cunningham, Piliuk opted to have the matter in the District Court.
Aided by a translator in court, Piliuk pleaded guilty.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Piliuk entered the store with another person and placed a number of items into a carrier bag. Piliuk proceeded to the checkout, where she paid for only one item.
With the other items, Piliuk passed all points of payment before she was apprehended by security staff.
Sergeant Collins said that Piliuk, who has no previous convictions, was fully cooperative when arrested by gardai.
Piliuk’s solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian, told the court that his client is a married mother-of-one who is originally from Ukraine.
Judge Cunningham said that, owing to the fact that Piliuk has no previous, she would get one opportunity and applied the Probation Act.