Shop ban for woman on bail

A CORK city shop owner alleged yesterday she was being harassed at her premises by a Romanian woman who appeared in court on a charge of shoplifting.

Inspector Michael McGuire brought this allegation to light at Cork District Court where Lina Rostas, 25, of 28 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, appeared on a theft charge.

Rostas is accused of stealing a roll of white lace valued €125 at Vibes and Scribes on Lavitt’s Quay, Cork, on July 21.

She was remanded on bail in her own bond of €250 to appear at Cork District Court again on September 28.

On that occasion she will be asked if she wants to plead guilty or not guilty. If she pleads not guilty, the case may be adjourned to a further date for hearing.

Inspector McGuire asked for a condition to be attached to Rostas’ bail in light of allegations about harassment.

“I would ask for a condition that she stays out of Vibes and Scribes. The owner, Joan Lucey, alleged that she has got a lot of harassment from Ms Rostas,” Insp McGuire said.

Judge David Riordan attached the condition and warned that Rostas would be in breach of bail if she entered the shop.

Solicitor Dennis Healy applied for free legal aid. When Judge Riordan asked the defendant if she had savings it became clear that an interpreter was needed. He then adjourned the question of assigning free legal aid until September 28.