Warrant issued for arrest of woman accused of stealing Christmas tree from Clare store

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Clare woman who is accused of stealing a Christmas tree from a local supermarket.

Charlene Keenan, aged 28, who has an address at Church Drive, Clarecastle, Ennis, failed to appear when called before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

She is charged with theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. arising from an incident late last year.

Garda Sergeant John Burke told the court that the incident in question took place at Tesco on Francis Street in Ennis on November 14, 2025.

Sergeant Burke added that the tree, which measured 6ft 5 inches in height, was subsequently recovered and returned to the store.

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Solicitor Tara Godfrey, representing the accused, said she had no explanation for her client’s failure to appear in court.

Judge Alec Gabbett joked that Ms Keenan was absent because she was "taking down the tree".

On a more serious note, he expressed his frustration at the absence of the accused and he refused an application for an adjournment. "I come when it suits’ doesn’t suit me,” he stated.

He subsequently issued a bench warrant for Ms Keenan’s arrest.