Local policeman on theft charge

John Martin Gallagher (36), whose address was listed on court papers as PSNI Coleraine, is accused of theft by an employee.

Items allegedly taken included a pair of of UGG boots; two sets of Dr Dre speakers; two sets of MAC makeup and one bottle of aftershave ‘belonging to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’.

The theft is alleged to have happened on October 18, 2014.

The accused was not present at court but in his absence a defence solicitor said given the nature of the charge it was a case which will bring his client’s “livelihood to an end” if there is a conviction.

The lawyer said he had been instructed, for the time being, to submit an application for legal aid, although he said he did not have the necessary documentation from the accused,

The solicitor also said he was advised a decision was taken not to prosecute an alleged co-accused and he wanted to know why that had happened and said he will be in touch with the Public Prosecution Service.

The lawyer said he will be taking legal steps which could involve a judicial review or an abuse of process application. The judge saiding Gallagher needed to be in court next time to plea.