Sandwiches were stolen after man went on binge

Glenn Flynn, Centenary House Hostel, Belfast, appeared in Craigavon Magistrates Court last Friday via videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He admitted the theft of a packet of sandwiches valued at £2.90 from Judge’s shop and unlawful assault on July 5 this year.

For the assault he was sentenced to three months in custody and a concurrent one month term was imposed for theft.

The court heard that Flynn took the packet of sandwiches and left the shop. A staff member went after him and the defendant threatened to “punch his face off”.

A barrister represented the defendant said he had a fairly transient lifestyle in the last few years and alcohol was the cause of most of his offending.

He explained that when Flynn was released from prison he was living between friends and on this occasion had been on a binge. Out of desperation and hunger he stole the sandwich.

The barrister said it was a technical assault but it was frightening for the member of staff.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the theft was relatively minor but the assault was an aggravating aspect and given the defendant’s record there was only one sentence he could impose.