Gary Cooper, 59, from Glenmore Street in east Belfast, received a four-month jail sentence at Ballymena Magistrates' Court for thefts at shops in Antrim town. The court heard the sentence runs consecutive to his current term.

Cooper visited Menarys at The Junction shopping centre on October 24, 2024. CCTV footage captured him entering four times and taking eight Yankee candles valued at £600 each visit without payment. Staff had noticed missing items.

On April 16, 2024, he stole cosmetics worth £363 from Gordons Chemist in Antrim. Footage showed him entering twice, placing goods in his coat pockets, and leaving without paying.

None of the stolen items from either store were recovered. Cooper appeared via video link from prison. The court noted he committed these offences while on bail and holds 164 prior convictions, including 65 for theft.

District Judge Nigel Broderick described the record as atrocious. A defence barrister stated Cooper has diabetes, lost sight in one eye, faces toe removal surgery, and linked the thefts to cocaine addiction.

Recently, Antrim Crown Court sentenced Cooper to 14 months, with seven in custody, for stealing £8,000 in men's clothing from shops in Portrush and Coleraine. He also received sentences at courts in Lisburn, Newtownards, and Newry.

At Ards court, authorities noted Cooper used a jacket with adapted pockets for thefts including £670 in make-up and perfume from Boots in Bangor, plus pyjamas from Next. Additional offences involved razors from Boots in Ards, Lego from B&M in Newtownards, food from a bakery, and an assault on staff at Menarys while attempting another candle theft.