Suspended sentence for man charged with assault and shoplifting

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with assault and three counts of shoplifting.

John Coyle (52) of Rock Mills in Derry was charged with, on September 7 last year, assaulting his partner when drunk, later claiming his drink was possibly spiked at a party the previous night and apologising for his actions.

He was also charged with three counts of shoplifting multiple items between January and July 2022. 

The court heard that Coyle was seen on CCTV to be stealing candle sticks to the value of £87.78 from B&M Bargains. He also stole Yankee candles valuing £150 from the same shop.

Coyle was also charged with stealing a barbecue and can of paint from Homebase to a total value of £414.

Coyle was stopped by security as he was leaving the shop and asked for a receipt for the items.

Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman said that Coyle had pleaded guilty to all the offences at the earliest opportunity and added that, regarding the assault charge, he did not have any previous record for violence.

He was sentenced to 18 months probation for the assault and six months for the thefts, suspended for two years. 

He was also ordered to pay a compensation order of £237.78 to B&M.