Conditional discharge for man who stole Pokémon cards worth £48 from Sainsbury's

Andrew Maclean, 36 of Hammond Farm in Lisburn, admitted the charge of theft during Wednesday's sitting of Newry Magistrates' Court.

The court was told that on July 4, 2023, police were made aware of the theft occuring in the supermarket involving a male entering the store and taking a number of packets of Pokémon cards without paying.

Police attended the store and saw CCTV footage which showed the defendant opening the packets and concealing them within a carrier bag.

The defendant then approached a till with a carton of milk, which he purchased. He left the store with the cards hiden.

A statement was recorded from the store manager and a receipt obtained for the value of the goods taken.

It was added that during interview Maclean made a full admission.

An application for compensation of £48 was made.

Maclean, who was representing himself in court, agreed with District Judge Eamonn King that the prosecution's outline was a "fair representation of the facts".

DJ King granted the compensation order and conditionally discharged Maclean for 12 months.