A man who claimed to have stolen Coca Cola, chocolate pudding and brake fluid out of “necessity” has been ordered to carry out 140 hours of community service.
Dan Mandrut, of Wellington Street in Lurgan, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court to face a single charge of theft.
The 33-year-old was arrested after he walked into the Spar on the Gilpinstown Road in Lurgan at approximately 9.30pm on January 10. There, he placed £53.17 worth of items in his backpack before leaving without making any attempt to pay.
Mandrut, who was wearing a green hoodie at the time, was identified when police reviewed CCTV footage.
The court heard the defendant had only been in the jurisdiction a short time and already a “very relevant” conviction for theft.
Defending, Barry McKenna, said there was a difficulty with his client in that he was “trying to regularise his position regards his employment”, as his immigration status remains unclear.
Mr McKenna said Mandrut was in the courtroom with his partner; she was not his wife as was stated in a pre-sentence report, although they are hoping to get married.
“Again, I’m not terribly au fait with the immigration system, but I think that is a necessary step before his immigration status can be sufficiently made clear for the purposes of gaining employment.”
Having consulted with his client, Mr McKenna said the defendant had indicated the theft was borne out of “necessity” having been unable to gain employment due to his immigration status.
“I did discuss with the defendant whether he was aware of food banks and I have to say that there was complete surprise at the discussion, at what a food bank is, and what they could provide to people.”
However, District Judge Michael Ranaghan, interjected stating: “Sorry, I’ve got to stop you there…
“I noticed Coca Cola, chocolate pudding, what looks like kitchen luxury pie and brake fluid. I mean, necessity somewhat falls away there, Mr. McKenna.”
“He realises what he has done was completely wrong,” said Mr McKenna.
Concluding, the judge, said: “I can give out suspended sentences, but I’d rather make people work to pay back. I’m taking it with some skepticism the theft was for necessity, and I’m also aware he’s been in this jurisdiction for a very, very short time, but has already got a record for theft.
“This offence was committed within very short time of the offence on his record, and on that basis, for this brazen theft I am ordering he serve 140 hours of community service.”
Mandrut was given 12 months to complete the unpaid work.
