Report ordered in theft case

Darius Brazas of Toragh Park, Newry, pleaded guilty to the theft of goods - valued at £8.66 - from Tesco in Banbridge on February 17 this year.

The court heard the defendant was seen on CCTV inside the store, where he lifted an item and placed it in his pocket before leaving without paying.

Staff challenged him but he got into a car and drove off. He was later contacted bypolice and admitted being in the store but denied the theft.

The case had been listed as a contest last Thursday but on the day Brazas changed his plea to guilty. A defending barrister said Brazas had previous convictions of a similarnature and was in breach of a suspended sentence.

Deputy District Judge Terence Dunlop said that given the antecedents a pre-sentence report would be required.

He adjourned sentencing until August 25 so that the report could be prepared.