Clinton Brian Belcher pleaded guilty Thursday in Summerside provincial court to two charges of theft both from the same city liquor store.
While doing a stock inventory on Nov. 8, staff at the downtown liquor store noticed two bottles of whiskey missing from the shelves.
Video surveillance was reviewed and showed Belcher entering the store, picking up two bottles of whiskey, each valued at $15.75, put them under his jacket and approach the counter to pay for a bottle of gin.
When his debit card wouldn’t work, Belcher left the store with the whiskey.
The following day Belcher returned to the store. Staff watched him put another bottle of whiskey under his coat before he fled the store and left the bottle outside beside a garbage can.
Belcher had a related record dating back to 2004.
Defence attorney Trish Cheverie said Belcher has admitted to having an alcohol addiction and hasn’t been working and asked that no jail time be imposed.
“He needs just a quick taste of what might await him if he doesn’t deal with his addiction,” said Judge Jeff Lantz, who sentenced Belcher to three days in jail.
Belcher will be on probation for 12 months must undergo assessment, counselling and treatment for any addictions issues, pay restitution and stay away from the downtown liquour store.
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
