Shoplifter’s ‘heart attack’ excuse for fleeing store
A MAN with 225 convictions who had claimed he didn’t pay for items because he had to quickly leave the store as he was “taking a heart attack” has pleaded guilty to the offence.
Seamus Patrick Laverty had originally denied shoplifting.
But at Ballymena Magistrates Court yesterday Laverty (55), of Stroanshesk Park, Ballycastle, changed his plea. Last month the same court heard Laverty had pleaded not guilty to the theft of a pair of socks and a roll of tin foil with a total value of £10 from Marks & Spencer in Ballymena’s Fairhill Centre on May 24 this year.
In July defence barrister Ben Thompson said his instructions at that stage were that Laverty accepted he put the items into a Bag for Life, which he was using as a “shopping basket”, but was denying the theft of the items saying he had to quickly leave the store as he was “taking a heart attack”.
No further details were given to the July court, and adjourning the case last month District Judge Peter King said he would like medical evidence to be brought forward.
Back at Ballymena Court yesterday Laverty was rearraigned on the theft charge and pleaded guilty.
This time his defence barrister was Neil Moore, who said his client was in breach of a suspended sentence and had a “very significant” record.
He said his client suffered from “chronic” addiction problems. There was no further reference to the alleged heart attack.
Judge King said the conviction now brought Laverty’s criminal record up to 225.
He adjourned sentencing until next month.