Suspended sentence for shoplifter

Anne Simmons, Iveagh Park, Banbridge, was given one month in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £52.95 compensation.

She had admitted the offence at a previous court.

The court heard that on August 8 this year at Tesco on the Castewellan Road she was seen filling her trolley with goods before leaving without making any attempt to pay.

Police saw her on CCTV getting into a car. It was registered to her and they called at her address. She said: “It was a genuine mistake.”

The value of the goods stolen was £209.38 and most of them were fit for re-sale with only items worth £52.95 outstanding.

A solicitor representing the defendant said she had a number of relevant matters on her record and she had mental health issues.

He explained that from now on if she is going to a shop she will be accompanied by a family member or friend.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ivers said Simmons had a background of previous offending and dishonesty and it was getting to a point where custody had to be considered.

She added that different disposals had been tried and she would deal with his matter by way of a short suspended sentence.