Stole from Asda after Tesco ban
Robert Elias, Portmore Street, Portadown, appeared last Friday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.
For the theft of goods valued at £145 from Tesco in Lurgan and going equipped for theft on the same date he was placed on probation for 12 months.
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Hide AdElias also admitted stealing goods valued at £72.60 and £44.09 from Tesco in Portadown on January 14 and January 15 this year and the theft of goods valued at £59.04, £80 and £23.36 from Asda on February 1, 22 and 24 this year.
For each of these offences he was sentenced to three months in prison. The terms are to run concurrently and were suspended for a year.
The court heard that on November 23 last year at 5.55pm police received a report of a shoplifter in Tesco’s in Lurgan.
Elias had taken two toothbrushes worth £50 and when he was searched he had a foil lined bag with two razor blades valued at £22.50.
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Hide AdWhen interviewed by police he made full admission to both charges.
On January 15 police were tasked to Tesco’s in Meadow Lane, Portadown, concerning a male shoplifter.
It was confirmed that the defendant had also stolen items the day before. When questioned by police Elias said: “I’m guilty.”
On February 26 at 6.20pm security staff in Asda saw the defendant and recognised him as having been involved in previous thefts.
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Hide AdThey stopped him and as he had no method of payment they believed he was doing the same thing again.
A barrister representing the defendant said Elias had lost his job and was between work and getting benefits so he began to steal items.
He asked the court to leave something hanging over his hang and he was waiting to see if he could get his job back.