An Armagh man who stole food from a store after spending his money on drugs has been sentenced to community service and probation.
Sentencing the 27-year-old, the deputy district judge said: “You were involved in a downward spiral of substance abuse from a young age. But there comes a time in life when you need to take stock and make a life for yourself.”
Cormac James Grimley, of Corrigan Court, appeared for sentencing on two counts of theft at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on July 10, staff at Emersons supermarket in Armagh detained a male identified as the defendant.
He had been observed placing food stuffs to the value of £6.42 into a bag before trying to leave without paying.
All of the items were retrieved from Grimley and they were all fit for resale.
Then on August 27, Emersons’ staff stopped a male attempting to leave without paying for energy drinks and confectionery to the value of £6.47.
The items were retrieved and fit for resale. From viewing store CCTV, police and staff were able to identify this as the same defendant.
On September 17, during interview, Grimley stated that he could not remember the incidents but accepted it was him on CCTV.
He told police: “I simply don’t recall. I spent all my money on drugs and I simply needed food.”
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “This was offending out of need not greed. That need arose out of him spending his money on drugs.
“It is very tragic. It started at the age of 12 and then escalated. There have also been various difficulties with his family situation.”
Addressing Grimley, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said: “It is indeed rather tragic. You were involved in a downward spiral of substance abuse from a young age. But there comes a time in life when you need to take stock and make a life for yourself.”
Grimley was sentenced to an enhanced combination order, consisting of 80 hours community service and 12 months probation.
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