Aaron Donnelly, 39, and Emma Bryan, 37, stole 12 bottles of wine from a Co-op store in Kings Norton, brazenly taking the £95 haul in broad daylight. The pair, both struggling with drug addictions, goaded staff by saying 'call the Feds' when challenged.
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 9, they pleaded guilty to a single count of theft from a shop. Donnelly, from Druids Heath, has 53 previous offences, including numerous shoplifting crimes in 2020. Bryan had only one prior conviction.
Court details
The theft occurred at around 6.20pm on April 19. A staff member witnessed both defendants putting bottles of wine into a bag. When asked if they would pay, they ignored the staff and responded 'Call the Feds'. They then exited the store without paying.
Ruman Dhami, prosecuting, said the value of the goods was £95 and they were not recovered.
Sentencing
Both were ordered to pay £47.50 compensation to the Co-op and £85 towards prosecution costs. Donnelly received a larger fine of £200 and an £80 victim surcharge due to his previous convictions. Bryan was fined £120 and handed a £48 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard Donnelly had struggled with class A drug addiction and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and possible undiagnosed ADHD. He had contacted the Change Grow Live charity for substance abuse help and sought a methadone prescription. Bryan also suffered from anxiety, depression, and drug addiction but was already receiving a prescription.
Both receive around £360 a month in Universal Credit.
