Man who snatched girl's school bag leaving Magherafelt store refused bail
A Co Antrim man who admitted snatching a school girl's bag was refused bail at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Thirty-two-year-old roofer Robert Kucybala, from Montague Manor, Ballymena, pleaded guilty to stealing the bag and a razor to the value of £10.99 on December 1.
District Judge Conor Heaney said there was a risk of reoffending and refused an application for bail.
A police officer alleged that Kucybala had stolen a school bag belonging to a girl after taking the razor and coming out of Home Bargains in Magherafelt.
He said the defendant has a record, was in breach of court orders, and police believed there was a clear risk of him reoffending if he was released.
A defence lawyer said the defendant, who appeared in court via video link from Musgrave custody suite, described himself as a diagnosed kleptomaniac.
He said there was no logical reason for the theft and it was purely opportunistic. The lawyer said Kucybala is has a wife and child and is “remorseful”.
He says he left the school bag in Castledawson, but was not sure of the address, the lawyer continued.
He said the accused would be prepared to liaise with police to ensure the recovery of the school bag.
"He is keen that the bag is returned to the school girl," he stressed.
Refusing the application Judge Heaney said Kucybala had the right to apply to the High Court for bail.
He ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case until January 14.