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Jail for man who lifted Buckfast bottle and began drinking in shop before card was declined at till

He was asked to leave and whilst outside smashed the bottle of Buckfast on the ground

A man who smashed a bottle of Buckfast outside a store after his card was declined has been sentenced to one month in prison.

Speaking out at court, the 32-year-old said: “Sure I paid for it the next day. Sure my card didn’t work, just sentence me today.”

Kieran George McCavana, of Hill Street, Gilford, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

It was heard that on June 21, at 7.50pm, police were called to Supervalu, Lurgan, to find the defendant intoxicated lying outside the store.

Several officers were required to get McCavana to his feet.

Police spoke to staff who said the defendant had entered the store, lifted a bottle of Buckfast and started drinking it.

He then proceeded to the checkout but his debit card was declined.

McCavana was asked to leave and whilst outside smashed the bottle of Buckfast on the ground.

During interview, the defendant admitted lifting the bottle and drinking from it, however, he could not remember being asked to leave or smashing the bottle.

Court heard that McCavana was currently on remand for other alleged offences.

District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “Is there any point in me ordering a pre-sentence report given his current status?”

Speaking from the dock, the defendant said: “Sure I paid for it the next day. Sure my card didn’t work, just sentence me today.”

Defence counsel stated: “He admitted to police the offence, this was a low-level value criminal damage and he instructs he paid for the bottle the next day.”

McCavana was sentenced to one month in prison.

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