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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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Magherafelt Magistrates Court.
A 33-year-old man was 'easily identified' after he struck a ceiling light at a Royal British Legion premises and walked out with a case of Stella Artois cider almost three years ago, a court has heard.
David Smyth, of Carsonville Drive, Maghera, entered a guilty plea at Magherafelt Magistrates Court last week, appearing via video link from HMP Maghaberry where he was in custody for another matter.
The court heard how police had received reports from management at the Royal British Legion that the bar had been 'wrecked' with substantial damage sustained.
Police attended the premises and viewed CCTV images of the defendant hitting a ceiling light, before leaving the building with a case of Stella Artois Cidre.
Defence for Smyth said other parties had also been involved in the incident, but that the defendant had been 'easily identified' from the CCTV imagery.
Judge Mullan sentenced the defendant to six months' imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years on charges of both criminal damage and theft, to run concurrently.
She also ordered a compensation order of £200 be paid for the criminal damage, the court having been told the defendant had already repaid the £24 cost of the case of Stella.
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