A COUPLE who admitted stealing nine lorry batteries earlier this year, totalling £500 in value, have split up and are no longer in contact with each other, Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday.

The claim was made when Mary Maughan (26), of Bramble Rise, Cavan, appeared for sentencing but her co-accused, Charles Sweeney (27), of the same address, did not.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court that on May 20, a member of staff at M. K. Trucks reported a white Transit van entered the yard shortly before 11.30am, from which a male and female exited and lifted nine batteries, then placed these in the van and drove off.

A description of the van and the persons was circulated, and approximately 30 minutes later, police spotted them travelling in the direction of Newtownbutler.

Maughan was driving and both she and Sweeney identified themselves. The van was searched and the batteries were recovered.

Following arrest, both gave ‘no comment’ interviews, although Sweeney did add: “Yeah, I deny it.”

While they later admitted the theft, only Maughan appeared at court for sentencing, claiming she and Sweeney have since: “Separated and are no longer on speaking terms.”

A defence solicitor accepted this was a joint enterprise, with Maughan stating she thought the batteries were “surplus or scrap”.

She conceded this did not give her a right to take them from the lawful owner.

The court heard the batteries were returned to the owners, and there was no loss.

Deputy District Judge Greg McCourt remarked: “It was quite a blatant theft of driving in, taking goods and driving away.”

He told Maughan: “This is a serious offence as far as I’m concerned, which would normally bring a term of imprisonment. However, in this instance I am prepared to suspend.”

A sentence of two months’s custody was imposed, suspended for two years. A Bench Warrant was issued in respect of Sweeney.