A COUPLE who have eight children worked as a team to carry out “deliberate and calculated” thefts from businesses in Enniskillen, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Charles Gerard Ward (37) and his wife, Ellen Ward (also 37), of Carnmore Rise, Enniskillen, both pleaded guilty to stealing bolt cutters to the value of £40.46 belonging to Aiken Autospares on October 23, 2017.

Ellen Ward also pleaded guilty to a further charge of stealing a jacket to the value of £25 from Sports Direct on September 29, 2017.

The court heard that, at 2.05pm on October 23, the couple entered Aiken Autospares on Sligo Road.

Ellen Ward subsequently concealed the bolt cutters under her clothes before leaving the store with her husband.

As they walked through the store, Charles Ward overtook his wife, walking in front of her and obscuring the view of the staff at the counter.

They did not pay and drove off in a Toyota Corolla.

Staff became suspicious and observed the theft on CCTV.

After it was reported, police attended the address of the two defendants on numerous occasions but there was no answer.

Then, on January 18 this year, officers arrested Ellen Ward at an address in Enniskillen. A search of the property was carried out, but the bolt cutters were not found.

During interview, Ellen Ward made no comment.

Her husband later presented himself at the station. While Charles Ward also gave a no comment interview, he denied the theft and inadvertently identified himself on the CCTV footage.

Meanwhile, in connection with the earlier incident, the court heard that, at 9.30am on September 29, police received a report of the theft of a Lee Cooper coat from Sports Direct.

Upon arrival at the store, officers spoke to the assistant manager and viewed CCTV footage.

They observed the couple entering the store and later leaving, with Ellen Ward wearing the jacket in question.

The two defendants made no attempt to pay for the item.

A search was conducted of their property and the jacket was found, but it was not fit for resale. During a subsequent interview, Ellen Ward again made no comment.

The court heard that when these offences were committed both defendants were in breach of suspended prison sentences.

Defending solicitor, Gary Black, told the court that his clients had brought money with them to be used as compensation.

After the barrister revealed that the couple had eight children, district judge Nigel Broderick asked who would look after them if the defendants were sent to prison.

“That’s the difficulty,” admitted Mr. Black.

When Mr. Broderick observed that the pair had committed “deliberate and calculated” thefts and hadn’t been stealing food, the barrister said that they were on benefits and their money was spent on their children and the upkeep of the family.

Mr. Black told the court that the couple needed the bolt cutters to cut a lock to regain access to their shed. He added that Mrs. Ward had ongoing health issues and needed a jacket during the cold weather.

The judge observed that the two defendants seemed to go as a team.

While he described the amounts involved as “relatively small” in real terms, Mr. Broderick said that they “all add up” for shop owners.

After the solicitor’s submissions had ended, Mr. Broderick told the court: “There is every reason why you should both go to prison.”

The judge said they had carried out deliberate acts of theft and were in breach of suspended sentences.

But taking into account the large number of children dependent on them, Mr. Broderick said that, not without some hesitation, he would defer sentencing for six months to see if they could stay out of further trouble.

Adjourning the case until October 15, the judge added: “You’ve heard my warning. There will be no second chances.”