A man who stole a Bluetooth speaker, worth £30, from a Co. Armagh shop has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Court heard the 24-year-old was already a serving prisoner but during his time in custody, he had begun a bricklaying course and was due to be given day release to engage in employment.
Scott Mayne, 24, whose address was given as Maghaberry, pleaded guilty to theft at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via video link from the prison.
Prosecution outlined that on August 16, police received a report that a Bluetooth speaker, worth £30, had been stolen from Tesco in Lurgan.
A male had taken the item and when challenged by security claimed that he had paid for it.
CCTV was seized by police, upon viewing this they were able to identify the defendant as the culprit.
He was subsequently arrested, making a no comment interview.
Defence barrister Kevin Magill informed the court that Mayne had been sentenced just two days after the commission of this offence and was due for release on August 29.
He stated: “Mr Mayne has passed every drugs test in custody, he has taken part in a bricklaying course and on the 29th of this month will be on day release to engage in employment.
“At the time of the offence, he was drinking and taking unprescribed drugs, he has no memory of the incident.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “This is a serious offence and given your current status there is no point in ordering a pre-sentence report.”
Mayne was sentenced to four months in prison for the offence.
