Man who stole 17 steaks from supermarket jailed to 'protect' Limavady shopkeepers

A County Derry man who stole 17 steaks from a Limavady shop has been jailed for four months to 'protect' local shopkeepers.

Appearing, via videolink from Maghaberry Prison, before Limavady Magistrates Court this morning was Paul Ireland.

The 36 year-old, of Eventide Gardens in Limavady, admitted the single charge of theft that was before the court.

The charge related to the theft of more than £200 worth of steaks from the Spar store at Anderson Avenue in Limavady.

Outlining the facts of the case, a prosecutor told the court that Ireland entered the store shortly before 5pm on April 21 and approached a fridge from which he removed 17 steaks – 13 sirloin and four fillet steaks – and placed them into a bag he had with him.

Ireland then left the store without paying for the items which were valued at approximately £230.

When Ireland was later interviewed in connection with the incident he wasn't able to remember it, the court was told.

Ireland, who the court heard is currently in custody in relation to another 'high value' theft, has 251 previous convictions.

A barrister described the theft as 'unsophisticated', stating that Ireland was stealing to fund a drugs problem.

“He desperately wants to break away from this lifestyle,” added the barrister.

District Judge Peter King said that he was 'at a loss as to how the shopkeepers of Limavady can be protected by your thieving, other than custody'.

Describing the case as 'very sad', Judge King said that 'the court's primary concern is to protect shopkeepers of Limavady from you'.

Judge King sentenced Ireland to four months in custody.