Heroin addict stole charity box from Cookstown store

A heroin addict who stole a charity box from a Cookstown store has appeared in court.
Archive image.Archive image.
Archive image.

Before Magherafelt Magistrates Court last Wednesday was Emmet McKillion from Coagh Crescent, Cookstown, who is charged with stealing the NSPCC box from Halfords on October 3 last.

The 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to steal a charity box from the same store on October 6 last, and stealing a can of Red Bull from Millburn Service Station on July 2 last.

After hearing the facts, District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she would defer sentence in the matter until May 6 to see if McKillion re-engages with the Railway Street addiction service in Ballymena.

The judge was told that the defendant had dropped out of the course because he did not have the bus fare to get to Ballymena.

Prosecution counsel said the defendant was caught on CCTV going into the store on October 3 and walking out with the charity box.

She said he attempted to repeat the theft three days later but left the building without taking anything.

She said the manager of the service station was able to identify McKillion in connection with the theft of the Red Bull on August 2.

Defence lawyer Liam McStay said the defendant has been trying to get off drugs but on these occasions he had lapsed back into taking heroin.

Mr McStay said on the programme in Ballymena he was receiving help and counselling.