Man with 20 previous theft convictions jailed for stealing Yankee Candle gift sets at Tesco
Man with 20 previous theft convictions jailed for stealing Yankee Candle gift sets at Tesco
A man with 20 previous theft convictions has been jailed for five months for stealing six Yankee Candle gift sets from Tesco in Portadown.
Thomas Gerard Mongan (37), of Beechmount Walk, Belfast, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court, via videolink from Maghaberry on Friday, charged with one count of theft.
The court heard the offence took place on September 19 last year, with the Yankee Candle gift sets, of a total value of £130.50, being stolen from Tesco Portadown.
The charges were read to Mongan and he was asked if he wished to go for trial, or be dealt with in the Magistrates Court.
He opted for the latter option and pleaded guilty to the charge.
A defence lawyer then told the court that Mongan recently appeared before Laganside Court and had a current release date of May 26.
Asking for the case to be dealt with there and then, the defence asked the judge to "stay your hand", given the defendant's early plea of guilty.
District Judge Francis Rafferty, noting that Mongan had 20 previous convictions for theft, sentenced him to a total of five months in custody.
No compensation order was made as Mongan was remanded in custody.