Northern Ireland

Dublin woman admits stealing £3,000 worth of clothes in Belfast in one day

House Of Fraser was among the stores targeted
House Of Fraser was among the stores targeted House Of Fraser was among the stores targeted

A Dublin woman has admitted stealing £3,000 worth of clothes during a one-day shoplifting spree in Belfast.

Julie Anne Joyce targeted 10 different city centre stores, using a magnet as part of her lone crime operation.

The 23-year-old, of Edenmore Walk in the Raheny area, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today on a total of 12 charges.

She faced 10 counts of theft, going equipped for theft and obstructing police - all on October 12 2016.

The charges included stealing clothing from House of Fraser, River Island, Marks & Spencer, Next, Gap, Top Shop, Mamas & Papas, and The Disney Store.

She was also accused of raiding Lifestyle Sports and JD Sports.

Guilty pleas were entered to all 12 offences put to her.

Prosecution lawyer Stephanie Boyd told the court: "This was multiple shops in Belfast, and involved £3,000."

Releasing Joyce on continuing bail, Deputy District Judge Paul Conway ordered her to return to court for sentencing next month.