Woman facing several shoplifting charges around Cork remanded in custody

Defendant is charged with theft of more than €5,000 worth of goods from Boots pharmacy, and stealing a total of €13,000 worth of items from a variety of shops around Cork

Defendant is charged that on June 25 at Boots chemist, Douglas Court shopping centre, she stole cosmetics, fragrances and baby products to the value of €5,560. Picture: Paddy Cummins

Stealing €5,560 worth of cosmetics and other items in one visit to a Boots pharmacy is a charge faced by a 26-year-old woman who cried on the video link to court from Limerick Prison saying: “It is so hard to stay here, how can I stay here so long?” 

Marie Muntean was remanded in continuing custody at Cork District Court until November 18.

Including the alleged theft of more than €5,000 worth of goods from the pharmacy, the woman is charged with stealing a total of €13,000 worth of items from a variety of shops around Cork — many of the most serious charges relating to alleged thefts earlier this month.

Defence solicitor Dennis Healy said Marie Muntean, who lives at an apartment at 40 Sheare’s Street, Cork, was consenting to the application to remand her in custody until November 18, to allow time for directions to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A Romanian interpreter translated for the accused on the video link, telling her she was being remanded in custody until that date.

Marie Muntean stood in the video booth at Limerick Prison and cried at that point and asked: “Do I have to stay here until then?” 

When told she did have to remain in prison as she was remanded in custody, the 26-year-old said it was so hard to be in prison and she apologised profusely.

Judge David Waters said: “She has not been found guilty of anything yet.” 

Telling her not to say anything more about the matter, the judge explained: “I am trying to prevent her from saying anything that might prejudice her case.” 

Ms Muntean is charged that on June 25 at Boots chemist, Douglas Court shopping centre, she stole cosmetics, fragrances and baby products to the value of €5,560.

She is charged that on December 23, 2025, she stole €1,000 worthy of glasses at Homesense on Grand Parade. 

In respect of dates this year it is alleged that:

• On January 24, she stole €246 worth of detergent pods packets at Tesco, South Main Street;
• On April 9, she stole about €200 worth of toiletries from Tesco Express, South Main Street;
• On June 16, she stole €850 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores, Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, and at the same store she stole €75 worth of goods on October 9;
• On June 18, at TK Maxx in Douglas Village shopping centre, she stole €457 worth of items;
• On August 30, she stole €170 worth of groceries;
• On October 5, she stole more than €1,200 worth of cosmetics from Boots on Main Street, Carrigaline;
• On October 5, she stole more than €1,100 worth of clothing from Next on Opera Lane;
• On October 9, she stole more than €1,100 worth of clothing and cosmetics from Victoria’s Secret;
• On October 12, she stole more than €1,100 worth of clothing and cosmetics from the same store.