Shoplifter 'shamed' by CCTV footage

Thomas Campbell (21) of Grasmere, appeared before North Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with shoplifting in the town.

Court heard that Campbell entered Elder’s newsagents on March 14 and stole food items to the value of 3.96.

The shop owner was able to identify the defendant through CCTV.

Police later seized the footage and on April 16, Campbell was interviewed.

Campbell told police that he had been very drunk and didn’t remember the incident.

Campbell’s solicitor, Ms Boyd, told the court that she had been present during the police interview, when Campbell viewed the CCTV footage.

She described it as a ‘sobering moment’ for him.

“He was shame faced to see himself in that state, he has not consumed alcohol since,” she said.

The offence put Campbell in breach of a suspended sentence he was given in last year for a similar offence.

District Judge, Richard Wilson, warned Campbell that he could be facing jail for being in breach of the suspended sentence.

The judge fined him 250 and ordered him to pay 3.96 in compensation to the store.

His suspended sentence was also adjusted and he now faces six months in prison if he offends again within the next two years.