'She needs help' - woman admits stealing vodka and wine from Aldi store in Limerick

A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to stealing several bottles of vodka and wine from a supermarket in Limerick city.

At Limerick District Court, Carly Fitzgerald, aged 29, of The Steeples, Upper William Street, Limerick city, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

Prosecuting Garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that the first of two incidents took place on November 30, 2025.

On the date in question, at approximately 5:33pm, Ms Fitzgerald entered Aldi on Roche’s Street in Limerick city.

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The court heard that the accused took two bottles of Smirnoff Vodka, put them in her handbag and left without paying.

The two bottles, which had a retail value of €30, were not recovered.

Just three days later, on December 3, Ms Fitzgerald again stole goods from Aldi on Roche’s Street.

On this occasion, it was three bottles of wine with a combined value of €24.67 that were stolen.

Again, the accused hid the goods in her handbag and they were not recovered.

Sgt Waters told the court that Ms Fitzgerald has 13 previous convictions, but none for Section 4 theft.

Her previous convictions include 11 for public order offences and one for Section 2 assault.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the accused, said her client has a problem with alcohol that she needs help with.

She added that Ms Fitzgerald is not currently availing of the Probation Service but would “welcome intervention”.

Judge Carol Ann Coolican adjourned the case to facilitate the preparation of a Probation Report.

Ms Fitzgerald was remanded on continuing bail, to appear again before Limerick District Court on May 28.