A 42-year-old man has been placed on probation for two years after stealing groceries from a Lisburn supermarket because he had no money to feed himself.

Anthony O'Neill, of Divis Street in Belfast, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday and admitted four charges of theft from a Spar store. The offences took place on dates between November 2025 and March 2026.

The court was told that O'Neill took perishable items with a total value of £54.86. When interviewed by police, he made full admissions and said he had been unable to afford food.

A defence lawyer said O'Neill had moved from Belfast to Lisburn and was isolated, with no family support. He was living on an income of £170 every fortnight and stole only to eat. The lawyer added that the defendant had no previous dishonesty offences, had entered guilty pleas promptly, and wished to repay the money.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer noted that the value of the stolen goods was very low and that a pre-sentence report indicated some remorse. He said the public was best served by a probation order.

The judge imposed a two-year probation order and directed O'Neill to pay £54.86 in restitution.