Canadian shoplifter asks for banishment from British Columbia

SURREY, British Columbia, June 15 (UPI) -- A man in western Canada who admitted stealing $50 worth of cheese from a supermarket asked for banishment from British Columbia.

A judge in Surrey granted the request Friday, The (Vancouver) Province reported.

Wayne Francis Foley, 55, was sentenced to 60 days in jail, most of it covered by time served, and ordered to stay out of British Columbia during a year's probation.

Foley, a native of the Maritime Provinces, said he plans to live with his mother in Nova Scotia. He said he asked for banishment because he believes it will encourage him to move.

After he is released from jail, Foley has 30 days to get out of the province. He cannot return until his probation has expired.

Foley has a history of drug problems, and police said he stole the cheese from a Surrey Safeway to sell it.