Court hears about brothers’ ‘outrageous crime spree’

The District Judge at Londonderry Magistrates Court has refused to grant bail to two brothers charged in connection with a crime spree in the Galliagh area.
Bishop street CourthouseBishop street Courthouse
Bishop street Courthouse

Before the court were Andrew Carlin, (18), of Knockdara Park, who was charged with a total of 34 offences on November 18.

The charges included possession of a firearm, possession of offensive weapons, attempted hijacking, aggravated burglary and assault.

His co-accused, who was also his brother, 23-year-old Michael Carlin, with an address at Amelia Court, faced a total of 43 offences. These included possession of a firearm, attempted hijacking and aggravated burglary.

Michael Carlin was further charged with rape and sexual assault.

All the offences were allegedly committed in the Galliagh and Shantallow areas of the city.

The Magistrates Court heard allegations that the brothers began drinking and consuming controlled drugs in the early afternoon.

An investigating officer said there were posts on Andrew Carlin’s Facebook page showing him with a hammer and a bottle of vodka, meanwhile, Michael Carlin was allegedly photographed holding a samurai sword and a metal bat.

The court heard it alleged that later in the day the Carlin brothers were involved in an incident where a samurai sword was used to attack a man. The injured party’s car was also attacked.

The court also heard allegations that the brothers went to the Co-Op supermarket chain store and attempted to open tills. While there Andrew Carlin also allegedly attacked staff in the shop.

Later the brothers were allegedly involved in a series of further incidents that included a number of attempted hijackings, in which a firearm was pointed at people. The list of incidents also included an aggravated burglary and aggravated taking of a vehicle.

The court also heard an allegation that the Carlin brothers were involved in an incident in Shantallow in which a 12-year-old boy had a firearm pointed at him and was told to “f*** up”.

District Judge McElholm was told that the PSNI opposed bail.

The investigating officer said the brothers were likely to commit further offences and there was a risk of interference with witnesses. The officer said there was also a threat against the brothers.

District Judge McElholm refused bail for fear of further offences and fear of interference with witnesses.

He said the allegations were of an “absolutely outrageous crime spree” and a bail address in this city would not be appropriate.

The defendants were remanded in custody to appear in court again via video link on January 8.