A Lurgan man has been handed a suspended prison sentence for stealing a bottle of Buckfast from a SPAR shop.
Shea Reynolds (29), of Ennis Close, appeared via videolink from Maghaberry before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, charged with theft and attempted theft.
At the outset of the hearing, the charges were read to him and he was asked if he wished to go for trial or have the offences dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court.
He chose the Magistrates’ Court and entered guilty pleas to the charges.
Prosecution then told the court that on January 18 this year, police attended a SPAR in Lurgan following reports of a theft that occurred on January 13.
They were shown CCTV footage which depicted the defendant placing a bottle of Buckfast in a jacket pocket.
He then took other alcohol to the till, but did not pay for the Buckfast.
The defendant returned later with another male, again lifting a bottle of Buckfast and placing it in his jacket. He then lifted wine and placed it down his trousers, before attempting to leave the store.
When challenged by staff, he took the items out and stated he had no money to pay for them.
After the facts of the case were outlined, a defence lawyer quipped, “£9.29 for a bottle of Buckfast might be considered robbery in itself.”
He added that the defendant suffered through a very poor childhood but conceded, “No excuse, he’s a big boy now and he should be looking after himself.”
District Judge Ranaghan imposed a suspended sentence of three months on both counts, suspended for 12 months.
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