Burglars threw items from van as police chased

Aaron Sterrett (20) from the Gleneagles area appeared before North Antrim Magistrates Court on Friday charged with burglary and theft of a non dwelling and causing a dangerous article to be on the road.

A prosecutor told the court police attended Currys Electrical Store in Coleraine after an alarm in the store was activated.

When officers arrived at the scene a van was situated to the rear of the store close to a loading bay.

It made off as soon as police arrived.

Police later detected the van in Aghadowey and a pursuit ensued through Kilrea and into Cullybackey.

While police followed behind items of electrical equipment were thrown from the rear of the van.

Police eventually stopped the vehicle using a stinger device in Cullybackey.

Its occupants ran into a near-by estate. Sterrett was apprehended by police in an alleyway.

The van had been reported stolen earlier that evening.

A co-accused was before the courts previously.

A defence lawyer said his client had no criminal record and was pleading guilty to the offence.

"This enterprise wasn't his idea but when it was suggested to him he went along with it to make a few easy pounds," said the lawyer.

The lawyer said his client was not the driver of the van and was situated in the back.

The cost of the items destroyed during the incident was estimated at between 2,000 and 2,500.

District Judge Richard Wilson said: "You got yourself involved in something quite serious.

"You started with a standing start with no convictions and are now facing the likelihood of going to prison.

"You have never been before a youth or adult court and here you are facing the doors of prison."

Mr Wilson imposed a five month prison sentence - suspended for two years - and fined Sterrett 600 in total.

"If you step out of line again you know what's happening," said Mr Wilson.

"You be warned and don't be back."