Checkout operator stole £600 from Tesco

A checkout operator who slipped £1 and £2 coins into his pocket while handling change, appeared at East Tyrone Magistrates Court.

Nineteen-year-old Michael Donaghy, of Torrent View, Dungannon, was placed on probation for 18 months on a theft charge.

District Judge John Meehan told Donaghy that it had been “a shameful piece of behaviour and rather bizarre.”

He ordered the defendant to pay £600 to his former employer, Tesco, and put in place an instalment plan for £20 per week.

Counsel prosecuting said the offence happened at Tesco’s Beech Valley store in Dungannon between May 1 and August 13 last.

Counsel prosecuting explained when management suspected money was missing they began an investigation in which Donaghy was observed handing change to customers with one hand, while slipping a coin into his pocket with his other hand. He said when questioned by the manager about the theft the defedant initially denied taking the money, but admitted to taking it after being shown CCTV footage.

The lawyer said Donaghy later handed in his resignation and made a full statement of admission at Dungannon police station.