A man accused of the armed robbery a Derry betting office has claimed his 13-year-old son was held at gunpoint.
The claim was made by Robert Barry Crossan (37) when he appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with the armed robbery of a bookies in the Shantallow area last month.
Crossan, from Creggan Heights, is charged with robbing the Ladbrokes office on Racecourse Road in the Shantallow area of £390 on 14 December last.
He is also charged with carrying a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit a robbery on the same date.
He is further charged with the possession of a Class A drug, namely methadone, yesterday.
Crossan, who appeared in court handcuffed to a prison officer, waved to supporters in the public gallery and stood with his back to the court while the charges were read out.
During proceedings he said to Resident Magistrate: “Do you not want to know about my son being held at gunpoint?”
He was warned by Resident Magistrate Barney McElholm if he did not keep quiet he would be held in contempt of court.
An PSNI detective told the court he could connect the accused the charges.
When defence solicitor Paddy McDaid said his client wanted to raise the issue of his son being held at gunpoint, he was informed by Mr McElholm he could take the complaint up with the Police Ombudsman.
At this point, Crossan shouted: “How do I do that? Do I go to Belfast?”
Crossan was remanded in custody until 13 February next.
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