Prolific burglar is refused bail by Magistrate

John Patrick McGilloway (31), of Bloomfield Park, is charged with a burglary at a Ladbrokes Bookmakers on April 5, the day of the Grand National.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer told the court police were strongly opposed to bail.

He described the defendant as ‘a prolific offender’ who showed no remorse for his actions.

The police officer said McGilloway went about his burglaries “with meticulous planning and attention to detail” adding that he went “to work as members of the public go about their work and his chosen trade is burglary”.

He said that the defendant had 244 previous convictions, including 70 for burglary.

The officer claimed McGilloway targeted commercial premises and had targeted Ladbrokes because it was Grand National day.

Police opposed bail for fear of further offences and risk of flight.

He told the court that the defendant has been subject to bench warrants in the past and on one occasion attempted to jump out a first floor window to evade police.

The officer added that whilst on bail in the past, McGilloway changed his modus operandi for committing burglaries.

He told the court there is was a strong forensic link between McGilloway and the Ladbrokes burglary and during interview he had been unable to provide an explanation as to why his blood had been found at the scene.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client denied the offence.

He told the court McGilloway wasvery sceptical’ about the evidence and believed police were ‘out to get him.’

District Judge Barney McElholm said McGilloway had an “appalling record” and he had no confidence he would abide by bail conditions.

He said he would be failing in his duty if he released the defendant on bail.

McGilloway was remanded in custody to appear again on May 29.