Dungannon man facing robbery charges denied bail

Damien McFall, 23, of Perry Street in the town is charged with three counts of burglaries relating to incidents which all occurred in the early hours of March 14, last year.

Objecting to bail, a PSNI detective outlined the events which McFall is alleged to have been involved with.

A court heard how the three burglaries took place at commercial premises on the date in question.

The first was around 3.30am at the ‘Day Today’ store in Middletown where a scanner, till and contents therein to the value of £2000 were stolen,

The second was around 4am at Allen’s shop in Caldeon where a toolbox and contents were stolen as well as damage to the premises to the value of approximately £2000.

The third took place at Solo Filling Station in Cookstown at around 5.47am where cash and other goods namely cigarettes to the approximate value of £3000 therein were stolen.

The Detective also told the court that the vehicle identified as being involved in the robberies was located at an address on Limehill Road, Pomeroy and the defendant was located inside the home with the stolen items. Fingerprints were also recovered from the scene.

The Detective said police were objecting to bail on the risk of further offending, as he has four previous convictions for burglary, one for robbery and one for going equipped.

A court also heard how McFall had only recently been convicted on December 31 last year for a burglary at Newell Stores,

Defence barrister for Mr McFall, Mr Blaine Nugent pointed out that his client had co-operated fully with police and didn’t abscond from the house where he was located, whereas his co-accused had fled.

Mr Nugent also noted that Mr McFall has denied these offences and respectfully submitted that his client could be granted bail and would consent to tagging and bail conditions.

Refusing bail, District Judge John Meehan said: “He is a man who is alleged to have committed these drive around burglaries while on bail.”

Judge Meehan also pointed out that when he sentenced McFall on December 31 he reffered to him as ‘a hardened offender’.

McFall will reappear at Dungannon Magistrates Court on January 21, via video link.