Man decided to steal to get presents

Anthony O’Connor, whise address was given as Drumellan Gardens, Craigavon, admitted the theft of perfumes and toiletries valued at £51.93 from B and M Bargains in Rushmere Shopping Centre on December 8 last year.

He was fined £200, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and made the subject of a restraining order prohibiting him from entering B and M Bargains for the next 12 months.

The court heard that the defendant was seen on CCTV entering the store with an Asda bag and leaving with a full bag without paying for the items.

He was seen getting into the driver’s seat of a car and the registration was noted.

When police went to his address the car was parked there and the Asda bag containing the stolen items was in the back of the vehicle.

A barrister representing O’Connor said he had been experiencing financial pressure coming up to Christmas and went out to steal items.

He added that the defendant should have known better because he had previous offences for dishonesty.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said it was a borderline case but the defendant had stayed out of trouble for quite some time.