A Newry man was caught by police after advertising a stolen concrete saw for sale on Facebook, a court has heard.
The 34-year-old’s legal representative stated the defendant “in the distant past was a thief”.
Clayton David Thompson, of Damolly Meadows, appeared for sentencing on one count of burglary at the city’s Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on November 17, a male was said to have entered the Carnbane Business Park in Newry and stolen a concrete saw, valued at £354.
CCTV showed a male enter via an unlocked door and leave the property with the item.
Police then became aware of a Facebook advert for a similar saw. The defendant was pictured in this wearing a camouflage jacket similar to that of the male in CCTV footage.
Thompson was interviewed and made full admissions to the offence.
Defence counsel stated: “He was in the distant past a thief, but he was last before the court in 2014.”
District Judge Mark McGarrity said: “You do have a relevant record. For someone who has largely changed his ways this appears to have been impulsive.”
Thompson was sentenced to 200 hours community service and was ordered to pay compensation of £354, within 20 weeks.
