Arthur-James Dagg in court for unauthorised dealing with shop goods

A man who claims to be recovering from substance abuse has to pay more than nine times the price of a bottle of vodka he took from a Central Queensland pub.

Liquorland at Berserker Tavern. Picture: Aden Stokes

A man who claims to be recovering from substance abuse has to pay more than nine times the price of a bottle of vodka he took from a Rockhampton pub.

Arthur-James Dagg, 19, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on September 26 to one count of unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

Police prosecutor Sergeant David Longhurst said Dagg was at Liquorland at Berserker Tavern on July 27 when he took a 700ml bottle of vodka and put it in his bag.

Sgt Longhurst said Dagg continued to peruse the aisles, grabbing several items and putting them back but kept the bottle of vodka, which was worth $44.

He said Dagg made admissions to police about the offence.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said her client, who was a hospitality worker, wasn’t in a good place at the time and had also told police he had been recovering from substance abuse.

Dagg was fined $400.

No criminal conviction was recorded.

A $300 recognisance imposed on July 3 was also forfeited.

Originally published as Arthur-James Dagg in court for unauthorised dealing with shop goods