Suspended sentences after man stole ring '¨'˜as birthday gift'

At a previous sitting of the court Scott Mayne (21) of Barban Heights admitted the theft of the ring, valued at £49.99, from Country Choice on June 17 this year.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing shower gel and two cards, total value £9, from Supervalu.

Sentencing had been adjourned until last Thursday so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

The court heard that Mayne went into a gift shop in Dromore and asked to see a ring in the jewellery cabinet.

He told a shop assistant that a ring had fallen on the floor and as she looked for it Mayne left the premises.

The assistant then realised a ring was missing.

CCTV showed Mayne in the store and he was recognised by police who went to his home and arrested him.

It was said he had also taken items from Supervalu.

Mayne made a full admission to police, saying it was his partner’s birthday and he had no money to buy her a gift.

A barrister representing the defendant said he immediately co-operated with police and entered a plea on his first appearance in court.

He added that, because it was his partner’s birthday, Mayne made a foolish decision and she was not too happy with this course of action.

The barrister explained that the defendant had put his liberty in jeopardy at a time when his partner is due soon to give birth to their second child.

He said that Mayne had drugs and alcohol problems in the past but now had a young family and was making efforts to stay away from alcohol and drugs. District Judge Benita Boyd said the defendant was no stranger to the court and had a relevant record for similar offences.

She said the custody threshold was crossed but she was going to suspend the sentence. The judge imposed concurrent three month terms, suspended for two years, and ordered Mayne to pay compensation for the stolen items.