Cookstown man stole bottles of Buckfast from Spar supermarket on three consecutive days despite being barred from the shop
A young Cookstown man who stole bottles of Buckfast from a supermarket in the town on three separate occasions, has been handed a one-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, at Dungannon Magistrates Court.
Pearce Ashton, aged 21, from Coolnafranky Park, admitted three charges of entering the Spar supermarket at Westland Road South on December 12, 13 and 14 last year and stealing bottles of Buckfast to a total value of £32.25.
Passing sentence, District Judge Mark Hamill told Ashton that the “ball is now in your court”.
Prosecuting counsel said on December 12, the defendant entered the Spar and took two bottles of Buckfast to the value of £12.98 and left the premises without any attempt to pay.
The lawyer said the same happened on December 13 and on December 14, and the defendant was subsequently stopped by the police on Fountain Road.
He added that Ashton later made a full admission and told police he knew he had been barred from the shop.
Defence counsel explained that Ashton had been barred from the premises and on that basis he was charged with burglary.
He described him as an “unfortunate young man” who had managed to stay out of trouble for 18 months until he had a relapse and stole the Buckfast.
Counsel pointed out that the defendant has mental health issues in the background and pleaded with the court to take this into account when sentencing.
Judge Hamill told Ashton he had been barred from entering these premises yet he kept going back.
He ordered him to pay compensation of £32.25 to Spar within 18 weeks or serve seven days in prison.