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Samuel McCallister, 78, whose address was given as Ravarnet Gardens in Lisburn, pleaded guilty to the charges before Lisburn Magistrates Court. The court heard that on four separate occasions between June 7, 2025 and June 19, 2025 the defendant had stolen low value items from Eurospar at the Hillsborough Road in Lisburn. It was noted that the total value of the goods stolen amounted to £32.04. Defence told the court the defendant would be turning 79 in December. She continued: “He has a very limited criminal record, with only one offence for driving in 1999. This is completely out of character and it is the first time he has been in trouble for dishonesty.” Defence also told the court the defendant’s nephew, who had been living with him, had been diagnosed with lung cancer and had passed away. "He struggles to accept that and thinks it could have contributed to his offending,” she said. "As soon as he was spoken to he put an end to it." "He was remorseful and wishes to apologise to the business in question. He has money with him to pay restitution,” she added. During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters told the defendant: “It is a terrible pity that at this stage of your life you are coming before the court for dishonesty. "I will deal with it by way of a monetary penalty but that won’t be an option again.” Ms Watters imposed a fine of £250, an offender’s levy of £15 and restitution of £32.04.
