A 72-year-old man has been ordered to pay compensation and fines after he stole a can of petrol from a filling station in Coagh, County Tyrone.

Thomas Maguire, of Rockview Park, Moneymore, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared at court via video link from Maghaberry Prison.

The incident occurred on July 22 last year on Littlebridge Road. The injured party had purchased petrol and inadvertently left the can beside a pump before driving off. When he returned, the can was gone.

Police reviewed CCTV footage and traced Maguire through his vehicle registration. It also emerged he had no driving licence or insurance at the time.

During interview, Maguire denied involvement and claimed his brother had taken the can. Enquiries showed his brother was deceased, a prosecutor told the court.

A defence solicitor described the act as opportunistic, while noting a five-year gap in his offending history. The defendant occasionally worked as a tree surgeon and gardener, the court heard.

District Judge Conor Heaney noted Maguire had an atrocious record of 187 previous convictions dating back to 1982. He imposed a £20 compensation order for the petrol and can, and fines totalling £375 plus a £25 offender levy for driving without insurance and holding no licence.