Judge Rafferty noted that despite McGeown’s “lengthy” criminal record, he has undertaken a “very significant amount of work” with Probation who now deem him as presenting a low likelihood of offending
A 43-year old man who stole £280 from the till of coffee shop in south Belfast received a suspended prison sentence on Friday.
Desmond McGeown, with an address as HMP Maghaberry, admitted a single charge of theft on February 10, 2023.
He was handed a 12-month sentence at Belfast Crown Court which was suspended for two years by Judge Neil Rafferty KC.
Prosecutor Simon Jenkins said the theft from the First Avenue Coffee Shop on the Ormeau Road was captured on CCTV and lasted around 15 seconds.
Mr Jenkins said the footage showed McGeown approaching the counter and after something was said, the till was opened by a female member of staff and money was taken.
Defence barrister Declan Quinn revealed that as the theft was committed whilst McGeown was on licence, he was recalled to prison and returned to custody where he spent nine months before being re-released.
Mr Quinn also pointed out the incident occurred almost three years ago and said that in the interim period his client has engaged with rehabilitation work with the Probation Board.
Judge Rafferty noted that despite McGeown’s “lengthy” criminal record, he has undertaken a “very significant amount of work” with Probation who now deem him as presenting a low likelihood of offending.
The Judge added: “For an offender with his past, to achieve the stability necessary for an assessment of a low likelihood of offending is, quite frankly, a remarkable achievement.”
Addressing McGeown as he sat in the dock, the Judge said it was accepted he was making efforts “at staying clean and staying out of trouble.”
Regarding the theft, Judge Rafferty said it would have been “very upsetting and terrifying” for the employee.
As well as imposed the suspended sentence, Judge Rafferty ordered that McGeown pay £280 compensation.
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