Man handed hefty fine for stealing food

26-year old Dean Ellison appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday for sentencing after pleading guilty to theft. 

 

He was caught shoplifting on January 7th - among the other items he stole were some smoked cheese, an Eccles cake and a cookie. 

 

He disguised the items as he was using the self-service till - the total value of his shopping would have been £7.80. 

 

Ellison's crime was aggravated by the fact he was on bail at the time after being charged with handling stolen goods in May last year. 

 

He'd previously pleaded guilty to possessing a tub of strawberry protein powder which his advocate said he'd chosen to turn "a blind eye" to - despite knowing it was stolen. 

 

Sentencing him Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes fined him £200 for handling the stolen goods and £400 for the theft. 

 

He was also ordered to pay £60 in compensation and £125 in prosecution costs bringing his total fine to £784.99. 

 

Ellison, who is currently unemployed, must pay the fine back at a rate of £10 per week.