Ipswich alcoholic aghast at amount of fine for stolen beer

Dainius Dasys appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Monday. <i>(Image: Lucy Taylor)</i>
Dainius Dasys appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Monday. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
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A man who pinched beer and cocktail cans was left miffed when he realised he will now be left out of pocket by four times as much as he would have paid for his loot in the first place.

When Dainius Dasys was asked why he had stolen the alcohol, he shrugged and said: "I’m an alcoholic. I didn’t have any money."

On June 16, he had gone to the Co-op in Ulster Avenue in Whitehouse, Ipswich, and made for the alcohol chiller. Dasys, 36, helped himself to a four-pack of San Miguel and eight cans of BuzzBallz cocktails. He then left the Co-op without paying.

Staff were able to give a description of Dasys to the police and he was located a short distance away with all 12 cans, which were recovered.

Before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Monday, Dasys admitted stealing from the shop to the tune of £51.78. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £40 surcharge, a total of £225.

When he heard how much he will be paying, Dasys, of Bramford Road, Ipswich, protested, asking several times: "Why so much? It was only 50-something pounds!"

The magistrates did not give an explanation but informed Dasys that he must pay the amount at £20 a month.

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