Omagh man caught on door camera stealing a washing machine

AN Omagh man has been caught red-handed stealing a washing machine – after being identified on a doorbell camera.

Andrew Young (37), of O’Connor Terrace, appeared at Omagh Magistrates Court this week where he received a suspended sentence for the burglary.

The incident occurred on May 7 last year, when Young was captured on camera removing a washing machine from a garage at Glenview Terrace in the town.

The property owners, who had recently moved out, recognised Young from the footage and reported the theft to police. Officers later called with him, and he made full admissions during interview.

The washing machine was found abandoned on the street around 12 hours later, the court heard.

Defence solicitor Sean-Pol Begley said there was no forced entry, as the garage door had been left open, and that Young had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He said his client had believed the machine was unwanted as the owners had recently moved out, and intended to sell it for scrap.

District Judge Ted Magill noted Young’s record of 45 previous convictions, although none since 2017.

“You can’t just help yourself to other people’s property,” Judge Magill told him.

Young was sentenced to three months in custody, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £160 in compensation for the stolen washing machine.