A 23-year-old woman accused of series of theft offences against businesses in Galway over one day, is not coming back to Ireland after getting married in England, a court has heard.

Eileen Delaney, with an address at 3 Waterpark Heights, Ennis, Co Clare, was due to appear at Galway District Court charged with a number of offences arising from alleged thefts in Galway City on March 14, 2024.

Some of the charges are contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

Those charges allege Delaney stole sports gear worth €100 from Sports Direct, Eyre Square; groceries worth €100 from Pepco, Headford Road, shopping centre; sports wear valued at €160 from Lifystyle sports, Galway retail park; and clothing worth €430 from King Size menswear, unit 9, Tuam retail centre.

Delaney also faces charges contrary to section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

Those charge alleged she handled various items of stolen property at St Bridget’s Place, Galway, also on March 14.

After the case was called, defence barrister, Michael Crowe BL, said he had been instructed his client would not be attending court.

“She’s in England, judge. She got married and she said she’s never coming back,” he said.

“Because she got married?” Judge Vincent Deane asked, adding: “Is this a story of happily ever after?”

Mr Crowe said he did not know if his client would be returning to Ireland.

Judge Deane granted the State’s application for a bench warrant for the accused’s arrest.

Report funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme