An Armagh man who stole £5,000 from an employer has been given until next month to pay back the outstanding balance and avoid a prison sentence.
Thomas Samuel Herron, of Alexander Avenue, pleaded guilty to theft at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on dates unknown between May 1, 2017, and October 7 of the same year the defendant stole in the region of £5,000 from his employer.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “With a charge of this nature and given the value I feel that the custody threshold has been met.”
She told Herron: “You turn up with the £5,000 you won’t go to prison, you don’t and you will. Simple as that.”
Defence counsel stated they wished to question the amount taken using a Newton hearing.
However, District Judge Kelly denied this saying: “Auditors and accountants have worked this out already using expected takings and losses.”
Court heard that £2,600 of the money had already been paid back by the defendant.
Judge Kelly simply replied: “Well, then he only has to bring me £2,400.”
The case was adjourned until October 26 for a pre-sentence report.
