Stole meat because of his '˜need to eat' local court is told

A 20-year-old man stole meat from a Lurgan store because of his '˜need to eat', Craigavon Magistrates Court was told last Friday.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.
Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.

Conor McCartan, whose address was given as Drumbeg, Craigavon, was fined £150 for the theft of meat, valued at £22.42, on January 12 this year.

He was also ordered to pay £11.21 compensation and pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that a male and a female were seen removing fresh meat from a fridge in the Spar shop in William Street, Lurgan.

McCartan was identified and was arrested.

A barrister representing the defendant said he had been re-sentenced for breaching a probation officer and was given three months in custody.

McCartan appeared in court by way of videolink from Hydebank.

The barrister said her client had pleaded guilty to the theft at the earliest opportunity. It was a need to eat theft.

She added that the co-accused had no previous convictions and had received a caution.

She had also made restitution for half of the goods which were stolen.

The lawyer said McCartan had two previous convictions and a caution for theft in the youth court and was now a sentenced prisoner.

She explained that he has had difficulties with alcohol and drugs.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said he did not believe the matter passed the custody threshold and felt he could deal with it by way of a fine.

Related topics: