Matthew Slate (39) of Carrowshee Park appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to the theft of food from Lidl, Lisnaskea on November 6th last year. 

Slate had been seen taking the steaks, putting them in bags, then leaving without paying. When staff checked CCTV the defendant was recognised. 

Defence barrister Alan Blackburn told the court Slate, who has previous convictions for theft, had stolen the steaks “for repayment of a debt,” adding “I’m not saying more than that.” 

Mr Blackburn said Slate was currently subject to a suspended sentence, but pointed out the theft of the steaks predated that conviction. He asked the court not to imprison the defendant, to allow him to make restitution for the theft.  

District Judge Michael Ranaghan adjourned the case for four months, until March 25th, to allow Slate a chance to stay out of trouble. Slate was also ordered to pay £113 restitution for the steak that was stolen.