A man who stole a debit card to buy scratch cards and food has been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
Court heard the 42-year-old was identified after he was caught on CCTV using the card at a vending machine.
Ene Aurel, of Victoria Street, Lurgan pleaded guilty to theft and three counts of fraud by false representation at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
It was heard that on January 28, police received a report of a stolen HSBC debit card from Evron Foods, Craigavon.
The injured party stated a number of transactions all under £30 had been made of the card between January 26 and January 28.
They had not realised the card had been stolen until January 28, the sum total of the transactions was £120.48.
Police checked CCTV at the premises of Evron food and spotted the defendant using the card.
He was later identified and arrested for the offences before the court.
During interview, Aurel made full admissions.
He told police he had taken the card using it the purchase items from a vending machine at Evron Food, to buy scratch cards from a Spar store, and to buy food from a Karolina shop.
Defence counsel stated: “He consents to a community service order but there would be an issue with probation as he works five nights a week”.
District Judge Mark McGarrity commented: “I do not think probation would be required given his lack of record”.
Aurel was sentenced to 100 hours of community service.
