A man who admitted to stealing £600 worth of butter from his employer has been handed a suspended sentence.
The 34-year-old’s solicitor told court: “Most of it was sent to Latvia, he has family living there. They were having a difficult time and he was trying to help.”
Vadims Baranovskis, of Baltylum Meadows, Portadown appeared for sentencing on two counts of theft by employee at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on January 30, police received a report from Evron Foods, Craigavon, that an employee, identified as the defendant, had stolen a number of blocks of butter valued at £75 each.
A Human Resources investigation revealed that six blocks had been taken on January 26 and two blocks on January 29, to a total value of £600.
Baranovskis was subsequently dismissed. CCTV of the offences was provided to police, they attended his address and during a notebook interview the defendant made full admissions.
Defence solicitor Joseph McDonald stated: “This is an unfortunate offence for which there have been severe consequences. He had worked for this firm for seven years and because of this offence has been dismissed.
“It was a foolish act as there was CCTV all around and the owner quickly established what he was doing. Most of it was sent to Latvia, he has family living there. They were having a difficult time and he was trying to help.”
He added: “He has brought with him today £600 to my office as restitution.”
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “This is a serious case as it is breach of trust but I will take into account how you have met this matter and the restitution available.”
Baranovskis was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for two years and was ordered to pay £600 compensation to Evron Foods.
