'Prolific' shoplifter banned from every shop in NI

Alleged offences include theft of clothes from Cuddys department store in Magherafelt

An alleged shoplifter with a "prolific" record has been banned from entering every shop in Northern Ireland.

Deirdre Ann McKeown, 57, of Galgorm Road in Ballymena is awaiting trial on six counts of theft and six of handling stolen goods totalling over £8,500.

All of the offences are alleged to have taken place on October 24, 2023.

On Thursday, Ms McKeown was granted bail at Belfast Crown Court with the restriction not to enter an retail premises in Northern Ireland.

Ms McKeown is accused of stealing jewellery, perfume, toiletries and cleaning products.

She is also charged with stealing clothes to the value of £700 from Cuddys department store in Magherafelt and clothing from Next stores in Antrim, Coleraine and Cookstown totalling £266.

At Belfast Crown Court her solicitor put forward an urgent bail application to secure her release ahead of a hospital appointment next week.

The defence barrister told Judge Paul Ramsey KC that Ms McKeown is due to be released from the women's prison at Hydebank Wood next Wednesday, 14 August, the same day as her medical appointment.

"Mrs McKeown had two previous appointments for mammograms and she informed healthcare in the prison about these and nothing was done,'' he said.

'Addiction to shoplifting'

He added: "I have serious concerns that despite any promises being given, that an appointment will ever be facilitated by the prison.''

In his appeal for bail, the defence solicitor outlined how the defendant had been referred to an organisation called Engage which helps women with addictions, and in the case of his client it was "an addiction to shoplifting''.

Objecting to bail, the prosecution barrister told the court: "She has a prolific (criminal) record. She has breaches of bail and breaches of suspended sentences.

"We have no confidence that she would comply with any bail conditions.''

Judge Ramsey remarked that Ms McKeown had a "compulsion to steal things and she doesn't seem to pay much attention to bail conditions and suspended sentences''.

However, the judge added: "With some hesitation I am going to commit her bail under stringent conditions.''

Ms McKeown is to observe a curfew from 09:00 to 17.30 BST, she must report to police daily and must not travel in a car except for medical appointments or court appearances.

She must reside with her daughter in Ballymena with a £1,000 cash surety to be lodged.

The defendant is also banned from entering any retail store in Northern Ireland.