Judge hits out at delay in case over armed robbery of filling station in Maghera

Mr Alan White said it was “unbelievable” that progress had not been made and this situation would not be tolerated anywhere else in the UK.

Adjourning the case for a week, Mr White told the prosecutor that he wanted an explanation and if he did not receive one he would refuse to remand the accused.

Before the court were Benjamin Mark Hagan (22), Moss Road, Lambeg, Lisburn, and Brian David Dean (49), Glenrosa Street, Belfast, who are jointly accused of robbing the Gort Filling Station of £1,500 and 300 cigarettes on February 5 last year.

Hagan is also accused of possessing an imitation firearm to commit the offence, and Dean with possessing a handgun and shotgun cartridges.