Craigavon Courthouse. INPT21-239.

Paul Robert Benson (24), Glenavon Crescent, Lurgan, appeared last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

At a previous court he had pleaded guilty to the theft of goods valued at £104.54 from Tesco on September 3 last year.

The case was adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

The court heard that, at approximately 3pm, police received a report of a male shoplifter in Tescos.

Staff observed that he was wearing a red Manchester United shirt with ‘Benson 22’ on the back.

The goods were recovered in the car park where the defendant had abandoned them after seeing staff. Benson was also identified on CCTV.

When interviewed by police he made a full and frank admission.

A barrister representing the defendant said he had a previous theft offence in 2012 when he stole a bottle of alcohol, but this was at the lower end of the scale and dealt with by way of a fine.

She added there were no offences in the pipeline.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the defendant may as well have had a neon sign identifying himself.

The barrister said Benson had now got a full time job and worked different shift patterns which would rule out community service, but he would welcome probation.

Judge Bates said the report made clear that the defendant had taken on responsibilities and found a job.