Man who stole bottles of vodka from Supervalu in Moira was found 'hiding in a wardrobe', Lisburn court hears
A man from Moira has been given a suspended prison sentence by a Lisburn court after stealing bottles of vodka from a local shop.
He appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with four counts of theft from Supervalu in Moira.
The court heard that on April 3, 2025 police received a report from store staff that between March 12, 2025 and March 30, 2025 the same person had entered the store and stolen a bottle of vodka on four separate occasions.
The police attended the store and observed CCTV of the incidents. Staff had noted the registration of the vehicle used and police contacted defendant – Andrew Marc Duffin, aged 39, whose address was given as Deramore Park in Moira – who refused to give an interview about the alleged offences.
The defendant’s vehicle was flagged by the police and he was traced to his parents’ address, where he was located hiding in wardrobe.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant had suffered a number of bereavements in quite quick succession.
He continued: “He seems to have turned a corner. He knew he was drinking too much.”
During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “I think it is serious because he did it more than once.”
Ms Watters imposed a custodial sentence of three months, which she suspended for a period of 18 months.
She also ordered the defendant to pay £80 in restitution to Supervalu, Moira.
Ms Watters warned the defendant: “I don’t ever expect you to be back before the court again,”