A man who stole a £2 sandwich box has been fined £500.
The district judge told the 26-year-old’s barrister: “The value does not matter. It is the cheek of walking in and lifting something without paying for it.”
Tony Beattie, of Orchard Court in Holywood, pleaded guilty to theft at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard this offence referred to the stealing of around £2 worth of food from Spar, whilst the defendant resided in Lurgan.
Defence counsel Conor Lunny stated: “He does have a relevant record but this offence predates the two most recent convictions.
“He had been living in Banbridge and then Lurgan but he is originally from Holywood and is now living back there.”
He continued: “This was a small value theft of a sandwich box and I would ask for leniency.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “The value does not matter. It is the cheek of walking in and lifting something without paying for it.
“Only other people have to pay for things, not this man. He does what he wants.”
Beattie was ordered to pay a fine of £500, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
