An Armagh man stole a car battery from Halfords to gain money for his children, a court has heard.
The 42-year-old’s barrister stated: “He was going though a marital breakdown and he was in a bad place mentally.”
Barried Oliver, of Irish Street, pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on September 29, 2018, police received a report of a theft from Halfords in Newry.
A male had lifted a car battery, valued at £124. He had taken it to the cashier and asked for a refund and after being refused he then left the store without paying.
Oliver later made full admissions to police during a voluntary interview.
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “Mr Oliver is a long distance lorry driver, that is in part why this has taken so long to be before the court. This is a guilty plea at his first appearance.
“Ordinarily, with his record, I would be asking for a presentence report but due to the nature of his employment that does not appear to be an option.”
He continued: “He is trying to find work in Ireland, as his daughter wishes to live here. At that time he was going through a marital breakdown and he was in a bad place mentally.
“He took the battery in order to get money for his kids. This is a man who has been 10 years clean and free of all offending.”
District Judge Mark McGarrity stated: “I will give you credit for your guilty plea and early acceptance of culpability.”
Oliver was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
The defendant was also ordered to pay £124 compensation to Halfords.
