Man stole perfume from his employer

A Banbridge man who stole from his employer was ‘deeply ashamed’ of his actions, the local magistrates’ court heard last Thursday.

Mark Gibson (41), Brookfield Avenue, Banbridge, had originally pleaded not guilty to the theft of Jean Paul Gaultier perfume, valued at £37, belonging to Gordon’s on December 19 last year.

The case was listed last Thursday as a contest but Gibson changed his plea to guilty.

The court heard police received a report about the theft of aftershave which was stolen by the defendant at Gordons Chemists warehouse on the Scarva Road, Banbridge.

CCTV was viewed and the general manager named the person seen on the footage as the defendant.

When interviewed Gibson admitted he was the person seen putting the item in his pocket but denied stealing it.

He said he had been asked to retrieve the bottle because of a quality test and placed it on some pallets. It had not been seen since.

A barrister representing Gibson said he had been employed with Gordons for five years but had now been dismissed.

He added that the defendant was aware it was a breach of trust case and the considered this a serious matter.

The lawyer said Gibson was deeply ashamed of his actions. “It was a moment of madness on his part,” he added.

He pointed out that the only dishonesty entry on the defendant’s record was in the youth court in 1987 and last court appearance for any offence was in 2001.

“He has already paid a heavy price.

“He has lost his job,” said the lawyer.

“He is not someone who engages in this sort of behaviour on a regular basis.”

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said that this was a breach of trust and it was essential for the smooth and efficient running of a business that an employer can trust an employee.

Taking everything into account he said he could take a more lenient course.

Judge Copeland fined Gibson £250 and ordered him to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

Related topics: