A 31-year-old man who stole bottles of cider has been fined £250.

Richard David Bell, also known as Fowler, of Mona Drive, Douglas, admitted the theft from Spar on Central Promenade in Douglas on July 6.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court how Bell was in the shop with two other people when staff saw him put two bottles of cider down his trousers before leaving without paying.

He was later arrested and admitted the theft in police interview.

Defence advocate David Clegg said that it was an extremely low value and opportunistic shoplifting offence.

’I understand he has been back to the shop, apologised and paid for the items,’ said the advocate.

’It was a stupid offence. He is heavily convicted but has confessed the matter at the police station and done everything possible to improve the situation.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Bell to pay £125 prosecution costs.

When sentenced Bell said: ’That’s heavy that Miss,’ and asked how Deemster Alastair Montgomerie was.

He said the deemster had sentenced him the last time he was in court.

Bell will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.