Romanian 'shoplifters' were 'sleeping on the streets of Larne'

By Ballymena Court Reporter
Published 29th Apr 2023, 08:36 BST
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Two Romanian men accused of shoplifting in Larne had only arrived in the country and "seemed to have been sleeping on the streets of the town," a court has been told.

Alexandrou Dobre (52), and Ionut Cumpana (36), with addresses listed as no fixed abode in Larne, are alleged to have stolen 'serum' worth £249 from McFarland's Pharmacy; £20 worth of food and wine from Tesco Express and £10 worth of food from Lidl on April 25 this year.

Dobre was also charged with illegal entry into the UK.

The men appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link from custody and had the assistance of a Romanian language interpreter.

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A defence solicitor told the April 27 court the men had "arrived in the country only three days ago" and added: "They seemed to have been sleeping on the streets of Larne".

He said the men made full admissions to the offences.

The men were remanded in custody and the cases were adjourned to May 4.