An Armagh man with a notable record who stole around £4 worth of meat from a city supermarket could be facing a significant sentence.
Court heard that when cautioned for the offence, the 64-year-old told police: “I knew those cheapskates from Emersons would pull me.”
Damien Patrick Toal, 62, of Scotch Street, pleaded guilty to theft at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 5, the defendant stole meat products to the value of £3.99 from Emersons store in Armagh.
Police were contacted by a member of staff who said that at 4pm they had observed Toal enter the store with a Sainsbury’s bag.
They had watched him place items in the bag, they took their eyes off the defendant only for him to leave without paying.
CCTV was viewed by police which showed Toal place items from the butcher counter into his bag before leaving.
The defendant was identified from this footage and officers attended at his home.
Toal was arrested and when cautioned replied: “I knew those cheapskates from Emersons would pull me.”
When interviewed at Dungannon Custody Suite, the defendant made full admissions to the theft.
Prosecution stated that Toal did possess a significant record.
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney commented that there were issues which the defendant needed to address.
District Judge Rosie Watters ordered that a pre-sentence report be prepared into the case.
Toal was released on his own bail of £500 to appear on November 19 for sentencing.
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