Cork Woman Steals €169 Worth of Groceries, Court Hearing Set

UPDATE: A 51-year-old woman was caught stealing groceries worth €169.11 from a busy Dunnes Stores in Macroom, Co Cork, on the morning of September 4, 2025. Court proceedings revealed that Gwen Parr walked out of the store without paying, a serious incident that has garnered significant attention.

During a recent sitting of the Macroom District Court, Sergeant Trish O’Sullivan detailed how Parr filled a trolley with groceries and exited the store at 10:15 AM, bypassing all payment points. CCTV footage confirmed her actions, leading to her identification and subsequent arrest.

Parr, who has a troubling history with theft, possesses eight previous convictions, all for similar offenses. Her defense solicitor, Patrick Goold, argued that her actions stemmed from a relapse of depression, exacerbated by her challenges as a full-time carer for her eight-year-old son, who has severe autism. Goold noted that Parr had brought compensation to the court to repay the store.

Judge John King acknowledged the complexities of Parr’s case, indicating that under normal circumstances, she would face more severe penalties. Instead, he requested a probation report to evaluate her situation further. Parr has been remanded on continuing bail and is scheduled to return to court on February 4, 2026, for a final decision.

This incident highlights the broader issues of mental health and social support, particularly for caregivers like Parr. The implications of her actions resonate beyond the courtroom, illustrating the urgent need for community resources for vulnerable individuals.

Stay tuned for updates as this case develops and further details emerge in the upcoming court session.