Probation Board admits there is ‘absolutely nothing they could do’ for serial shoplifter

A serial shoplifter was warned by a judge on Wednesday she was “on her last chance” after he suspended a prison sentence for a spate of thefts.Deirdre Ann McKeown (59), of Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, had previously pleaded to two sets of charge sheets levelled against her.The first bill of indictment related to the thefts of groceries, BBQ meat items and cleaning products from a Spar shop in Ballymoney to the value of £75.50p.She also admitted three counts of going equipped for theft which included a shopping bag, six security de-tagging hooks and a leather shopping bag.All of the offences were committed on dates between May 29 and July 2, 2025.The second set of charges related to April 15, 2025, when McKeown stole travel items worth £52.98p from the Home Bargains store in Bally