Man stole hoodies from Limavady clothes shop to trade for drugs, court hears

Anthony McGuigan made the admission to police after he was arrested for stealing three red Superdry hoodies from DV8 in Limavady on January 7 of this year.

The court heard the 27-year-old was spotted by a witness in Limavady with the clothing, valued at £167.97 at 12.30 on the date in question. The witness said he’d almost knocked someone down outside the store.

The witness chased McGuigan, but lost him further up the street.

Police attended DV8 and the theft was confirmed. CCTV was viewed and the suspect was identified as McGuigan.

The next day, on January 8, the same witness who had chased McGuigan said he came into his premises. Police recognised the male from a still image as McGuigan. They conducted a search and located McGuigan a short time later.

McGuigan, whose address on court papers was supplied as Cunningham Road, Antrim, admitted stealing the three hoodies.

He said he used them to trade for cannabis and Diazepam for his own personal use.

Defence for McGuigan said his client “quite candidly” admits he was on drugs and takes no issue with what’s alleged. He said he admitted he made a bad choice.

The court heard the goods were not recovered.

“He’s very apologetic and remorseful,” said McGuigan’s defence,” and he realises he can’t continue on this path.”

McGuigan’s defence asked the judge for “one more chance” to allow McGuigan to get his life back on track.

District Judge Liam McNally said he should probably sentence McGuigan to six months in custody. However, he said there appeared to be “a glimmer of light”, and deferred sentencing for 12 months.

Judge McNally told McGuigan that when he comes back to court on November 1, 2017, he wants to hear that McGuigan has committed no further offences, that he’d fully co-operated with a Combination Order and that he’d repaid the full £167.97 to DV8.

Judge McNally said if McGuigan passed all three tests he wouldn’t impose a custodial sentence.

However, Mr. McNally warned McGuigan if he gets offered drugs, or has a compulsion to buy drugs, or steal anyone’s property, he would sentence him to at least six months in custody.