Worker caught on CCTV stealing from car wash

Joseph McCloskey from Ranaghan Road, Maghera, pleaded guilty to entering a portable cabin at Tobermore Car Wash on November 21, 2019, and stealing £50 in cash.

McCloskey appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday by video link from Maghaberry Prison where he has been serving a sentence for other matters with a release date in August.

Prosecuting counsel said the owner of the car wash had contacted police reporting the theft. The lawyer said McCloskey had gone home and then returned later and entered the cabin and stole £50 in £1 coins.

CCTV footage was examined and the owner of the car wash identified McCloskey, counsel said.

He added the defendant was later interviewed by police and replied with no comment to all questions.

Defence lawyer Liam McStay accepted the defendant has a “horrendous record” but described the theft as “relatively low level”.

He explained McCloskey had received a 10-month custodial sentence for other matters back in March of this year.

Passing sentence, District Judge Oonagh Mullan said the defendant’s offending was “concerning”.

Ms Mullan also ordered McCloskey to pay £50 compensation to Tobermore Car Wash.

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