A 31-year-old Derry man was remanded in custody when he appeared at the city’s Magistrates Court charged with a break-in at a city centre store on Friday last.
John Paul Harkin, of Kular Court, is charged with entering as a trespasser the Poundland store on Strand Road on Friday night last and stealing bank books and various groceries.
Harkin is further charged with stealing £150 worth of confectionery and household items worth £150 from the same store the previous day.
A PSNI officer told the court extensive damage was caused to the premises during the burglary and the stolen items were recovered when police visited the accused’s flat.
The police witness said Harkin had been accompanied by an accomplice who he had refused to identify.
The officer told the court, the accused had a problem with a drug addiction and police feared he would commit further crime to feed his drug habit if released on bail.
The officer also told the court police were also fearful the accused would interfere with witnesses in the case.
Refusing bail, Resident Magistrate Barney McElholm pointed out the accused had 127 previous criminal convictions and there was a possibility he would re-offend if released on bail.
Harkin was remanded in custody to appear back at Derry Magistrates on 6 February next.
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