A MAN who stole a packet of crisps from a local filling station has been ordered to repay £1.25. 

Patrick McDonagh (37), of Erne Park, Kesh, also received a £50 fine when he was sentenced for the theft from Lakeside Service Station. 

A prosecutor told the court how on April 30, McDonagh walked into the service station in Enniskillen and took a bag of crisps worth £1.25. 

He then proceeded to eat the crisps, set the empty bag back on the shelf, and walk out. 

The court heard how McDonagh had a total of 156 previous convictions, and a prosecutor said: "The large bulk of these are for theft."

McDonagh's solicitor described the actions as "foolish", but said that despite a lengthy record, his client was not in breach of any suspended sentences.

"He does have the money here to reimburse the business", the solicitor said, adding that McDonagh was "apologetic". 

Describing the theft as "low value", District Judge Alana McSorley imposed a £50 fine, and ordered  that the £1.25 be repaid.