Man stole hundreds of pounds worth of bedding and clothing from Marks and Spencer at Sprucefield
A man, who is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison, has been sentenced to 11 months in prison after he stole bedding and clothing from Marks and Spencer at Sprucefield.
The court heard that on June 21, 2026, police received a report of a high value theft from Marks and Spencer.
It was stated that staff observed the defendant, Robert Gerard Anthony McGuigan (49) of no fixed address, putting bedding and clothing, totalling £630, into a trolley before leaving the store without paying.
Once outside, having seen staff watching him, he left the trolley and took what he could carry, said to be valued at £392.
Police looked for the defendant at his bail address but were unable to find him.
He was later found walking on Black’s Road and was subsequently arrested and charged with theft.
The offences put the defendant in breach of five probation orders, which had been imposed at Lisburn Magistrates Court on September 15, 2025.
A defence lawyer told the court: “There is a certain chaotic aspect to this man’s lifestyle.
"He has accepted the offence and has not procrastinated in any way. He has dealt with it head on.”
District Judge Rosie Watters, who revoked the probation orders that were imposed in September 2025, sentenced the defendant to five months in prison for the breaches of a probation order.
She also imposed a sentence of six months in prison on the charge of theft, with the sentences to run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 11 months in prison.