A Lurgan man who ran away from a taxi has been ordered to pay the fare four months later.
The 36-year-old told police he did not have the money to pay and was desperate.
Steven Cranston, of Festival Square, pleaded guilty to making off without paying at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on April 21 the defendant made off from a taxi, failing to the pay the fare of £50.
The report was made by the taxi driver, who said he had picked up the defendant in Tandragee and taken him to Festival Square at around 1.30pm.
Cranston ran into his house and told the injured party he was going to get cash.
But he never returned and the taxi meter was left running, totalling £50.
When interviewed by police, Cranston said he could not afford the fare and was desperate.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes remarked: “Despite your record, there are no previous offences of dishonesty.”
Defence counsel informed the court that he had seen Cranston in “some states” but added that he “appeared fresh today”.
The defendant was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay back the £50 within 15 weeks.
