Kilkeel man Stole buns and pancakes from Poundworld
A defence solicitor elaborated how McConville's life had gone on a somewhat downward trajectory following the death of his mother and a close acquaintance.
STEALING a meager worth of food from Poundworld in Kilkeel has resulted in a man with an address in the coastal village receive a conditional discharge during a sitting of Newry Magistrates court. Standing in the dock of the court to answer for a single count of theft was Peter McConville (55) of Harbour Road Kilkeel.
The court heard how on August 10 of this year police were alerted to a theft which had occurred in the Poundworld store in Kilkeel.
The reporting party in the case told police that she had noticed the defendant, McConville who was described as a frequent customer at the store, enter the shop on this date. Upon reviewing CCTV the reporting party told police how she had observed McConville enter the shop before lifting a packet of buns and pancakes to the total value of £4.60 before walking past the point of sale making no attempt to pay for the goods.
Addressing the court a defence solicitor in the case elaborated how McConville's life had gone on a somewhat downward trajectory following the death of his mother and a close acquaintance."
From the age of 18 until 2013 he worked as a painter in England. He came back here to care for his mother in 2013 who has since passed away and this has had a big impact. His best friend has also passed away. He worked as a delivery driver up until 2024 but lost his licence and has issues with reading and writing and is unable to resit his theory test.
As a result he has been on state benefits. The total value of the goods taken was £4.60 but he does accept that it was him when viewing the CCTV in evidence.
Given his previous good character and limited record I would ask that you deal with this by way of a conditional discharge or a fine with an extended period of time in which to pay. He has come to court with a bus ticket and £3.00 in his pocket."
Acquiescing to defence's request that a conditional discharge be implemented in McConville's case for 12 months owing to the fact that he has managed to stay out of court until 2024 District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons afforded McConville with one final piece of advice before he vacated the dock "Try to keep on the straight and narrow"