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Dublin woman turned to shoplifting to pay rent and show family she was independent

Maria Nistor (21) had since moved back home to live with her brother

Today at 06:20

A young woman turned to shoplifting to help pay her rent as she was trying to show her family she was independent and could support herself, a court heard.

Maria Nistor (21) had since moved back home to live with her brother, who was more than happy to help support her.

A court heard that Nistor stole more than €1,000 worth of candles on various dates.

Judge David McHugh convicted and fined Nistor €150.

The defendant, of Kinvara Park, Navan Road, Dublin 7, admitted counts of theft and possession of a foil-lined bag.

Sergeant Walter Sweeney told Blanchardstown District Court that Nistor stole groceries worth €149 from Lidl in Blanchardstown, as well as six candles valued at €606, from Home Sense in Blanchardstown and five candles worth €505, from Home Sense on dates in 2019 and 2021.

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Simon Fleming said that Nistor was Irish-Romanian, and no one in her family had ever been in trouble before.

Mr Fleming said that at the time of these incidents Nistor was living alone, and renting a room for €700 a month. She was trying to be independent and show her family that she could look after herself, but she struggled to pay her rent and made a foolish decision to do what she did.

Mr Fleming said Nistor was back living with her brother and she had not been in trouble since these incidents.

She was very sorry for her behaviour, and wished to apologise for what had happened.