One of the four women was present to face charges arising out of the case.
Vandana Munteanu of 50 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of modifying an article for the concealment of stolen property to be used in the course of theft.
The 20-year-old, who had previous theft convictions, also pleaded guilty to several charges of possessing stolen property on the same date.
Insp Ronan Kenneally said the crimes were detected on February 25 at Daunt Square, Cork. The inspector said four members of the Roma community were found in possession of property that had been stolen from several shops all around Cork city centre.
He said in Munteanu’s case, the particular item that had been modified for use in the course of theft was an apron worn under a number of skirts.
Defence solicitor, Dennis Healy, described the item in question as a pillowcase. “She was given stuff by others and she is putting her hands up.”
Judge John Cheatle said Munteanu was beginning to clock up convictions.
He fined her €90 and put her on a bond to keep the peace and commit no further offences for 10 months.