Two men charged with hijacking Mercedes in Dungannon

Barry Peter Coary (38), of Mourne Crescent, Coalisland, and Patrick Michael David Bell (39), Beltrim Crescent, Gortin, were each connected to charges of hijacking, common assault, theft of a car, and possessing a knife in the vicinity of Union Place, Dungannon, on October 7.

The pair, who appeared by video-link at East Tyrone Magistrates Court, sitting in Omagh, were refused bail and remanded in custody until October 28.

A police inspector told the court that at approximately 5.45pm police received a report from the female victim that her Mercedes had been hijacked.

He said she was putting items in the car when she heard raised voices behind her.

He told the court two males approached and shouted at her to get out.

The officer said the injured party panicked and she was pulled from the car by her hair and the two males got in and drove off in the direction of Greers Road.

He explained that the pair were later arrested at Gortin and items belonging to the injured party recovered.

He said the Mercedes car had still not been recovered and police were endeavouring to locate it.

The inspector said they were opposed to bail as they feared there would be a potential for interference with witnesses.

He said Coary had made a no comment interview and refused to give his phone pin, while Bell had remained silent during the interview.

Refusing the bail applications, District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked it must have been a terrifying experience for the injured party who deserved to be protected.

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