Two men accused of stealing paper cups and tea bags valued at 17 pence from a filling station have been granted legal aid to contest the charges at Newry Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants appeared before a district judge, who made critical remarks about the law during the hearing.

The alleged theft involved low-cost catering supplies. Legal aid, which provides publicly funded representation, has been authorised for both accused.

The case is expected to proceed in due course.