Committed theft when due at court

Pre-sentence reports have been ordered for an Aughnacloy man after he committed theft while supposed to be attending a court hearing.
CourtCourt
Court

Brian McDonagh, 45, from Sydney Lane, appeared by videolink at Dungannon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of theft including stealing a razor blade and holder from Boots Chemist valued at £9, a mobile phone to the value of £250, and a t shirt and a hoodie to the value of £29.50 belonging to Sports Direct, Enniskillen.

McDonagh had already instructed the court that he wanted the case heard at the Magistrate’s Court.

District Judge John Meehan ordered pre-sentence reports to be carried out on the defendant, who has a significant criminal record.

The defence solicitor made an application for bail on behalf of the defendant who is currently in custody at Maghaberry prison.

However, the court learned that McDonagh had not attended an earlier court hearing for the first charge of theft because he was busy committing a further act of theft.

The court also heard that a third theft was carried out by McDonagh on the day after he was meant to attend court.

Judge John Meehan declined the possibility of bail, saying he could not possibly grant it to McDonagh because of his track record of theft.

Legal aid was granted for the defendant who will next appear in court on April 5.

Related topics: