Teenager found in front seat of car

Noel McGilloway (18), of Creggan Heights, pleaded guilty to attempting to take a conveyance and the theft of a USB stick on June 7.

Sentencing was adjourned until June 25 for a probation pre-sentence report to be compiled.

During the hearing the police opposed the defendant being released on bail pending the completion of the report. An investigating officer the court McGilloway was on bail accused of a burglary and was ordered to abide by a curfew.

However, he was found in a car parked in the city centre in the early hours of the morning.

The rear window had been smashed and the steering column was broken off and an item was stuck in the ignition. The car was in perfect condition and had passed the MOT earlier that day.

McGilloway was removed from the car and searched and a USB stick belonging to the owner of the vehicle was found in his possession.

Opposing bail, the officer said the defendant was well aware of his bail conditions and had shown a lack of respect for them.

The District Judge refused bail for fear of further offending and said the court would be quite rightly criticised if McGilloway was re-released.

He said there was a degree of public protection in the court’s decision and remanded McGilloway in custody until June 25.