Serial thief facing jail after stealing fabric softener from Spar store in Belfast

Michael McNally pleaded guilty to taking the detergent from a Spar store on the Cavehill Road when he appeared at the city’s Magistrates Court this morning.

McNally, of Cliftonpark Avenue in Belfast, has now amassed more than 390 convictions, half of them for shoplifting-related offences.

His criminal record includes multiple thefts of steaks and assorted food products, washing powder, hair dye, and a tip jar from a coffee shop.

Last month he received a suspended prison sentence for another thieving incident.

McNally made immediate admissions when the new charge was put to him in court.

Based on a six-week period to prepare a pre-sentence report, defence solicitor Pearse MacDermott sought bail for his client.

Judge Magill agreed to release McNally “with considerable reluctance” because of that timeframe.

Adjourning the case, he told the defendant: “You are not to go into that Spar on the Cavehill Road.

“Let’s see what the pre-sentence report says, but if you don’t keep bail conditions the likelihood is you will be staying in custody.”