Teenager who passed fake notes in Co Tyrone store has 'learned his lesson', court told

Nujos Sidoraviciene from Annagole, Dungannon, admitted charges of tendering counterfeit currency, possessing counterfeit currency, and having in his possession a quantity of cannabis.

District Judge Barney McElholm also ordered the defendant to pay compensation of £60 to Spar Quarry Lane.

The court heard that the fake £10 Bank of England notes had been used by the defendant to puchase items on November 21.

Prosecuting counsel said the counterfeit currency had been detected by a checking machine in the store office.

He said the notes had a different texture and all had the same serial number.

Several members of staff were able to identify Sidoraviciene and police called at his address where he was arrested.

Counsel said police located notes with the same serial number along with six grams of cannabis at his home.

During interview, the defendant said he did not know it was counterfeit.

It transpired that he had sold his e-scooter to another person who had given him currency, half of which was counterfeit.

The lawyer said Sidoraviciene said he was "happy to pay” Spar Quarry Lane £60, but had failed to do so.

He said the cannabis was for personal use.

A defence solicitor said the defendant is a young man who has “learned his lesson”.

When he sold the e-scooter he had not been aware that half the currency he received for it was fake.

Judge McElholm made a destruction order for the counterfeit currency and cannabis.