Shoplifter had 88 previous convictions

Michael Gerard Farrell, Bann Street, Portadown, admitted stealing a Vics Vaporub valued at £4 from Tescos on June 4 this year.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that Farrell and his son were in Tesco on the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge.

He was seen to put the item in his pocket and leave the store without paying for it although he did pay for other items.

A barrister representing Farrell said he paid for a large number of goods but left the store without paying for this item.

District Judge, Mr Peter King, said the defendant had 88 previous convictions, not all for dishonesty. There were two previous theft matters and burglaries. The judge described this incident as an opportunistic offence at the lower end of the scale.