Woman deported from US arrested for theft of two hams and cosmetics in Cork seven years ago

Accused pleaded guilty to stealing two hams worth €80 and cosmetics worth €264 in Boots

Accused had spent the last five years in LA before being deported, court heard. File picture: Dominic McGrath/PA Wire

A flight from Los Angeles to Dublin saw the deportation of a 25-year-old woman wanted in Cork for the theft of two hams and cosmetics more than seven years ago.

Garda Pat Costello said at Cork District Court on Wednesday he arrested Ciocolata Munteanu at Dublin Airport on Tuesday when she arrived on a deportation flight.

“The circumstances are that she was deported back from America by American authorities and we were alerted to her arrival. She was deported from the US after five years, on a flight from LA yesterday. Her whole family were there for the last six years,” Garda Pat Costello said.

Dennis Healy solicitor said: “She will enter a plea of guilty. She needs a couple of days to get the money together. I would ask for one week.” 

There was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail on conditions. Those conditions include living at 50 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, signing daily at Bridewell Garda Station, and not to leave the jurisdiction.” 

Mr Healy said she could not leave in any event as she was without a passport.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until April 9 to allow time for her to gather compensation in relation to her thefts.

Back on November 27, 2018, the accused stole two hams valued €80, and on January 24, 2019, she stole €264 worth of cosmetics in Boots, Blackpool, Cork. She pleaded guilty to those thefts at Cork District Court on Wednesday.