Man stole charity boxes

A 19-year-old man who stole charity boxes will be sentenced in the New Year at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

Michael Loughlin, Iveagh Close, Banbridge, admitted three charges when he appeared at the local court last Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to the theft on November 19 this year of a British Heart Foundation charity box and a Cancer Research charity box.

Loughlin also admitted handling stolen goods, an Arthritis Care charity box, on November 20 His solicitor said that he would plead guilty to the charges and asked the court to consider adjourning for a pre-sentence report.

He handed in a report from Loughlin’s GP saying he would be concerned about the defendant’s mental health and if the matters were reported in the Press.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that the community would be horrified to see someone stealing from charity.He also could not interfere with the freedom of the Press. The judge adjourned sentencing until January 21 so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.