Prison sentence for man who stole baby food and alcohol

Kevin Dale, Grove Hill, Banbridge, had admitted stealing baby formula and alcohol valued at £30 on November 5 last year.

He was sentenced to three months in prison and a suspended sentence of nine months was also put into operation.

Both are to run concurrently making a total sentence of nine months.

The court heard that police were called to Tesco supermarket on the Castlewellan Road in Banbridge in relation to a male shoplifter.

When they saw the CCTV police immediately recognised Dale and went to his home where he admitted the theft.

He handed over money to cover the cost of the items which were not fit for re-sale.

A barrister representing the defendant said that at the time Dale had a suspended sentence and his actions were beyond comprehension.

He explained that he was appealing against a seven month prison sentence the next day after last Thursday’s court and it was likely he was going into custody.

The lawyer applied to appeal against the nine month term and asked to his client to be released pending appeal to spend the night at home.

District Judge, Mr Eamonn King, released Dale on his own bail of £500 with a no alcohol condition and a curfew from 9pm to 8am.