Young pregnant woman imprisoned for opening a tin can of Pringles in Tesco

A pregnant woman has been imprisoned for two months – for opening a can of Pringles.

Kathleen McDonagh, 25, of Cork, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage at a Tesco branch near her home.

The incident involving the pot of chips, costing € 1.50 (£ 1.32), took place on December 27, 2016.

During a session of the Cork District Court today, Inspector Ronan Kennelly told Judge Brian O. Shea that McDonagh had been expelled from Tesco at the time, due to his previous behavior.

However, she entered the supermarket and took a tube of Pringles. She then proceeded to the queue at the self service section.

Inspector Kenneally stated that the staff noticed Ms. McDonagh and approached her to ask her to leave.

Before they reached her, she opened the can.

Inspector Kennelly testified that Donagh, who has already issued 31 convictions, then removed the aluminum cover from the box.

"As the security guards approached her, she opened the Pringles and removed the aluminum paper top. She says, "I opened it, you have to let me pay" … it was not ready for resale with a loss of € 1.50 – she said she wanted to buy the pringles but she did not have permission to be in the store. "

The court learned that Ms. McDonagh's previous offenses included 14 convictions for theft and two for criminal damages. She also has convictions for handling stolen property.

Shane Collins Daly, Ms. McDonagh's attorney, stated that the accused was a hairdressing student who was currently working for her mother.

He appealed for clemency by claiming that his client was five months pregnant and that she had just been married.

The court learned that she had suffered from anxiety problems in the past.

Mr. Collins Daly also requested that the guilty plea be considered in the case.

In sentencing, Judge O. Shea said that, taken out of context, the offense could appear serious in terms of seriousness.

However, given the context of the case and the multitude of previous convictions, he has moved up the ladder.

He said that it was difficult to consider the offense other than as "intelligent" behavior.

He added that in the past, Ms. McDonagh had received suspended sentences and that they did not seem to have worked for her.

He jailed her for four months, suspending the last two months of her sentence.