Derry Court: Pair accused of theft of alcohol valued at £210 from Sainsburys

A man who was jailed last week for offences of dishonesty and was released on bail pending appeal lasted a week before facing similar charges a police officer told Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Jonathan Patton (32) and Teresa Stokes (35) both of Ebrington Oaks appeared charged with the theft of alcohol valued at £210 from Sainsburys on May 11.

The court heard that police were called to the supermarket at 4pm on May 11 to reports of a male and a female having entered the store and filled up a trolley with champagne and other alcohol. 

They left the store without paying and when a police officer checked CCTV he recognised both. 

They were arrested one hour and twenty minutes later. 

Bail was opposed and the court was told that Patton had breached his bail conditions in that he is prohibited from entering any retail premises.

The court heard that there was a risk of re-offending for this defendant and bail was opposed. 

As regards Stokes the officer said she had admitted being in the shop but refused to state who was with her. 

She denied having stolen the alcohol and said it was the person along with her. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that a point in the case was that none of the goods were recovered nor was there any indication that they had sold it. 

As regards Stokes Mr Quigley said that she had not 'denied the undeniable' and accepted there was 'a huge risk of re-offending'.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that Patton could not go a week without offending and remanded him in custody to appear again on May 25.

As regards Stokes Judge McElholm said he would give her one opportunity. 

He released her on bail on condition she does not enter any retail premises except for her local shop for basics. 

She is not to take alcohol and is to have no contact with Patton. 

She will appear again on May 25.