Pliers discovered when woman arrested for theft

When a woman was arrested for a shoplifting offence police discovered she had a pair of pliers with her for use in the theft.

Sandra Baltrusyte (31), whose address was given as Princes Street, Lurgan, was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended 
for two years, at last Friday’s sitting of Craigavon Magistrates Court.

At a previous court hearing she admitted stealing clothing and footwear from TK Maxx on August 20 this year and going equipped for theft on the same 
date.

The case was adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

The court heard that police went to TK Maxx after a report of a female shoplifter who had been detained by staff.

She had taken children’s clothing and shoes valued at £104.92.

A pair of pliers was found in her handbag and she made a full admission to both offences.

Mr Conor Downey, representing the defendant, said she had received a suspended sentence for a similar offence in 2010.

He added that she did not have any problems with alcohol or drugs.

He also pointed out her finances were not precarious but she accepted she got involved in this offence.

District Judge Benita Boyd said this was the second time Baltrusyte had been in court for this sort of offence and it passed the custody threshold.

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