Man sentenced for stealing cash from mother-in-law’s purse

The High Court hearing took place in Belfast.

Fifty-year-old Adrian Doherty from Hazelbrook in Magherafelt pleaded guilty to entering as a trespasser a dwelling house and stealing a total of £560 on various dates between May 17 and September 5, 2018.

Doherty, who appeared in court remotely, was also ordered to make restitution totalling £560 to the injured party.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan described it as “a very sad case” in which a man with an absolutely clear record had succumbed due to financial pressures.

However, the judge said it was also unsavoury and the defendant had behaved very foolishly and his dishonesty had caused a huge amount of distress to his children and family.

Ms Mullan, who had previously adjourned the case for a psychiatric report, said the defendant’s actions had resulted in the loss of the relationship with his family, and this would be deeply felt from his own personal perspective.

The judge remarked that in sentencing she would also have to take into account that it was a breach of trust case.

She refused an application by a lawyer from the Public Prosecution Service for a restraining order, as she did not feel it was appropriate given the circumstances.

Outlining the background to the case, prosecution counsel said police received a report of a burglary at a property in the King Street area of Magherafelt.

She said on speaking to the occupant she informed them that £40 had been taken from her purse and that she had noticed other amounts missing. She informed police that she suspected it was her son-in-law. The lawyer said there were no signs of a break-in at the property, and CCTV was installed.

Counsel said on May 18 the owner reported £100 stolen; between June 6-9 £60, and a number of different amounts on subsequent dates. She said the owner kept a detailed record of the money which she claimed was missing.

The lawyer said police carried out a check of the CCTV footage for the period and the defendant was identified.

Doherty admitted during a subsequent police interview to taking between £300 and £400 “over a period of months”, counsel added.

Defence lawyer Michael Forde said Doherty was the sole bread winner in the household and had been under financial pressure. Mr Forde said unfortunately, he had given in to these pressures which has resulted in the loss of his marriage and “his good name at the age of 50”. He added the defendant still held down full-time employment.