A Craigavon man who stole and damaged over £300 worth of goods from a sporting goods store has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
Court heard that the 25-year-old ripped the security tags off clothing to the value of £250, none of which were fit for resale.
Jordan Lee Hackett, 25, of Aldervale, pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Court heard that on October 12, at 11.28am, the defendant was stopped by staff at SportsDirect at Market Street, Lurgan, as he attempted to make off without paying for goods.
A hat and coat valued at £101 were recovered and deemed fit for resale.
Various items were also found on Hackett’s person which had been damaged by the defendant attempting to remove security tags. These were valued at £250 and could not be sold on.
The defendant was later located by police and taken to Lurgan Custody Suite.
When interviewed, Hackett claimed he did not have a great memory of the incident due to drug usage.
He would later admit to being in the store and ripping the security tags but would not state his intention.
Defence counsel told court that she did not have “a lot of instructions”.
She stated: “Mr Hackett has been in and out of prison on numerous occasions. He has been in custody since October as a suitable bail address has not been found.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “You have removed the choice of a pre-sentence report due to your record and stay in custody. There is only one sentence which I may deem suitable.”
Hackett was sentenced eight months in prison.
