Jumped off caravan roof in escape bid

Thomas Connors, Ardowen, Craigavon, was refused bail when he appeared last Friday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He faces a number of charges which include alleged burglaries, the theft of four cars, theft from a vehicle and causing damage to a vehicle on July 11, 2012.

Connors is further charged with going equipped for theft, driving without a licence and insurance and taking a vehicle without the permission of the owner on April 28, 2012.

As well he is charged with escaping from custody at Lurgan police station on July 14, 2012 and assaulting a constable on July 1, this year.

A police officer told the court on July 1 this year a car was seen acting suspiciously in the Ardowen area. When it stopped the defendant jumped out and ran through a house after a struggle with the constable.

The next day they went to a caravan site where they found Connors in a caravan. He tried to make off through a window, got on the roof and jumped off but was arrested.

Defence said the defendant’s mother lived at the address in Ardowen. She had money available and was willing to go surety for him.

Deputy District Judge, Mr Joe Rice, pointed out that Connors had been trying to evade arrest for two years. The court also heard that Connors had 57 previous convictions in the south of Ireland. The case was adjourned until August 1 by videolink.