Christopher McCrory faces a theft charge over a £10 Labubu doll; the court adjourns the hearing
A Portrush man has been charged with stealing a toy doll worth just £10 in what has become an unusual court case in Coleraine.
Christopher McCrory, 38, of Glendun Close, is accused of taking a Labubu doll from Bud’s Spar in Portstewart. The toy, popular among collectors for its distinctive design, was valued at £10 at the time of the alleged theft.
McCrory had been expected to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court this week, but his defence solicitor informed the court that he was too unwell to attend. No further details were given about his health.
Despite his absence, proceedings went ahead in front of Deputy District Judge Liam McStay. A police officer told the court that she believed she could connect McCrory to the charge. The judge subsequently agreed to adjourn the case, setting a new date of Thursday, 21 August, for it to resume.
McCrory faces a single count of theft. If convicted, he could face a fine or a custodial sentence, depending on the court’s decision.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe case has drawn attention largely because of the modest value of the item involved. While theft cases are routinely brought before magistrates, it is unusual for one involving such a low-cost toy to make its way to court.
Labubu dolls, part of a wider trend in collectible figurines, have gained a cult following in recent years. Fans often pay far more than the retail price on resale markets, but the court heard no evidence to suggest that the doll in question was of significant collector’s value.
The defence has not yet entered a plea on behalf of McCrory. His solicitor indicated that his client’s health difficulties had prevented him from attending but did not address the substance of the charge.
The magistrates court deals regularly with shoplifting offences, which can range from thefts of alcohol and clothing to high-value electronics. In comparison, the £10 Labubu doll sits at the lower end of the scale in terms of monetary worth. However, the prosecution confirmed that the case would proceed in the usual way regardless of the item’s value.
Deputy District Judge McStay ordered that the case be adjourned to allow McCrory either to attend in person or for his legal team to make further representations. The adjournment means the court will reconvene on 21 August to decide how the matter should progress.
For now, McCrory remains charged with one count of theft. The outcome of the case will depend on whether the prosecution can provide sufficient evidence to prove that he stole the doll and whether the defence can challenge that connection.
As the case returns to court later this month, it will be watched with interest—not only in Portrush and Portstewart but also among those curious about the unusual nature of the alleged crime.