A Lurgan man who stole four bottles of wine and a multipack of Coke from Tesco has been sentenced to two months in custody.
James Geddis, 32, of Victoria Street Place, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, via videolink from Maghaberry, charged with one count of theft, for which he pleaded guilty to.
Prosecution outlined that on June 7, police received a report from Tesco in Lurgan, regarding the theft of four bottles of wine and a multipack of Coca-Cola from the store, with the items costing a total value of £31.99.
The court heard that the males involved in the incident had left the store and headed towards Main Street without making any attempt to pay for the items. The defendant was subsequently identified as one of the males in question.
Conor Lunny, defending, said: “Unfortunately, this incident then occurred whereby he lapsed back into taking alcohol. He’s a self purported alcohol addict and he took a fairly foolhardy decision to make away from the shop with fairly low end value products.
“He’s a man who, when he doesn’t take drink, is actually given to work….he’s a man who can, when he stays sober, contribute positively to society.”
He also added that Geddis was currently on remand for this offence having breached bail a number of weeks ago.
Taking account of the defendant’s plea of guilty, Deputy District Judge Kennedy imposed a custodial sentence of two months.
