A 44-year-old chef from Coleraine, appeared before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing charges of theft after he admitted to stealing cash valued at approximately £23 from his place of employment.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on 31 January 2026, when staff at the restaurant noticed a discrepancy in the morning till float. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, they observed Aaron McCandless, from Loughanhill Park, Coleraine, taking money from the till and placing it in his pocket without permission.
During a subsequent police interview, McCandless confessed to the theft and expressed regret for his actions. He claimed that the money was taken for work-related purposes, stating he needed the money to purchase vegetables for the restaurant. However, he failed to return any change or provide a receipt for the transaction.
His defence barrister highlighted that McCandless has since secured full-time employment as a chef elsewhere.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay addressed McCandless directly during the proceedings, stating, “I’m going to guess, Mr McCandless, that it took you some time to qualify as a chef and to get employment. There are not that many jobs floating around. When you get a job, you need to keep it. And you have found out that this sort of loose attitude has resulted in difficulties for you in employment. You’re fortunate, especially in a smaller community, that that hasn’t completely banjaxed you at this stage.
“It is a serious offence… I don’t regard this as a case where you’re enriching yourself at somebody else’s expense.”
Judge McStay fined the McCandless £400, ordered to pay compensation of £23, and an additional £15 offenders levy.
