Teenager put bottles up coat and left shop

Nineteen-year-old Curtis Ewing, whose address was given as Union Place, Cookstown, pleaded guilty when he appeared in court by video link from Hydebank Young Offenders’ Centre, to stealing the alcohol, valued £28.48, from the NISA store in Bellaghy on April 11 last.

Prosecuting counsel said at approximately 3.45pm police received a report of a theft from a business in Bellaghy.

She said the shop owner told the police the defendant had lifted two bottles of alcohol, put them up his coat, and left without payment.

She said Ewing was later arrested and “it was a no comment interview”.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton stressed the defendant had a very minor record and no offences for dishonesty.

Mr Atherton pointed out Ewing has been in custody since the incident because he has been unable to perfect bail by finding a suitable address. He said the defendant had been granted bail but remanded to Hydebank, where he has remained.

The solicitor said on this occasion the defendant had been intoxicated. “It was a foolish undertaking and one which he was going to get caught for immediately,” he added.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop remarked the offence was committed four days after he was sentenced for another matter. He said he would impose a two month custodial sentence.

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