A HUSBAND and wife team who, a Judge said, appeared to “be going around in consort” on joint enterprise thieving trips, were given heavy suspended sentences to keep them in line when they appeared before Galway District Court this week.
Husband and wife Robert and Violeta Grancia, 172 Caireal Mór, Headford Rd, Galway pleaded guilty to stealing perfume and aftershave valued at €739.60 from Shaw’s department store in Castlebar, Co Mayo on May 18 last.
Judge Valerie Corcoran was told the couple had been ordered to stay out of Galway city centre and all business premises when they received suspended sentences in the past for similar criminal activity in 2015.
The Court heard that Robert Grancia had 47 previous convictions, eight of which were for theft. Violeta Grancia had 20 previous convictions, six for theft.
“So they’re going around in consort at this sort of thing,” the Judge said.
Sean Acton solr (defending ) said the husband was 37 and had lived in Ireland for 25 years. His wife was 36. They had €750 with them to compensate Shaw’s for the loss of the stolen goods.
The couple had four children, the eldest of whom had considerable difficulties and the father was the main carer.
The Judge noted there had been several previous suspended sentences but she would give them one last chance, even though they didn’t deserve it. However, she added that she was going to mark this chance with long suspended sentences.
An eight-month sentence, suspended for two years was imposed on Robert Grancia and a six-month sentence also suspended for two years was imposed on Violeta Grancia.
The Judge also ordered both to stay out of all Shaws stores.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
