Shoplifter who hid TT-branded shirts in coat fined

Barry Blood was fined at Douglas Courthouse on Monday

A visiting motorcycle fan who shoplifted Isle of Man TT-branded clothing by hiding it in his coat has been fined.

Barry Blood, of Ormskirk in Lancashire, was spotted leaving the store off Douglas Promenade with the garments still on their hangers on Friday.

Douglas Courthouse heard the 54-year-old was spotted by a member of the public after he dropped two of the items as he left.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £125 in prosecution costs.

'Silly mistake'

The court heard Blood had hidden the three garments in his coat at about 20:00 BST on Friday.

A member of the public saw him dropping a shirt still on its hangar, before dropping a second when he knelt down to pick up the first as he left the store and was reported to police.

When arrested he was found to have three items, including a T-shirt, shirt, and layered top, which were valued at £98.

When charged, Blood apologised to police officers for his actions and later pleaded guilty to theft.

His defence advocate told the court the 54-year-old was "extremely remorseful" and had been struggling with some personal issues at the time.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood said he had made a "silly mistake" without "much explanation" of his actions, however she said his crime had not been sophisticated.