Instead of running up credit in a store where he has a running tab, a 23-year-old shoplifter stole goods and ran out the door, Fermanagh Court has been told.

Dean Anthony Gillen, of Windmill Heights, Enniskillen, admitted stealing goods from Brian Deery and was given 18 months probation on condition he actively participates in a drug and alcohol counselling programme.

He was also ordered to pay Mr. Deery �15 compensation.

A prosecutor told the court that on Monday, January 16, police were called to the Costcutter convenience store on the Cornagrade Road in Enniskillen. The owner told the officers that the previous day Gillen had come into the store, lifted various items and concealing them in his clothing. He paid for one item and left without paying for the concealed items. The store's CCTV was examined but it was not possible to determine exactly what Gillen stole. Police went to his last known address but he wasn't there. A couple of months later he was wanted by the police in connection with another offence and when questioned about shoplifting from Costcutter said he couldn't remember much about it as he had been drinking a lot at the time. He claimed he had been in contact with the shop owner and offered to pay for anything he had taken.

Defence solicitor Michelle McVeigh said Gillen had very significant issues with drug and alcohol abuse and on the day in question stole a pint of milk and a yogurt.

"He is somewhat surprised as he has a running tab with the owner and when he is short of cash he gets goods on credit," said Miss McVeigh.

District Judge Liam McNally replied: "The running tab in this case seems to be, he takes these goods and runs."

Miss McVeigh pointed out that Gillen had already spend eight weeks in prison in relation to another offence.

The District Judge said that because Gillen was given a suspended jail sentence in June for theft and this offence was committed before that he would put him on probation for 18 months.