Man in court over Tesco theft

41-year-old Michael Thomas Kearns, from Brecan Lee in Claudy has been charged with stealing 36,201 from the supermarket last Saturday.

On the morning in question police in Limavady were told by Michael Kearns that he had been the victim of a robbery. He told the PSNI that he had been abducted by a four strong masked gang as he made his way to work along the Barnailt Road on the outskirts of Limavady.

Mr Kearns said that the gang threatened him and ordered him to open the safe in the supermarket and told him to take the contents to Buncrana in County Donegal where it was to be handed over.

The PSNI then launched an investigation into the incident and also issued an appeal for information on the gang and their car - a black BMW.

Yesterday, Michael Kearns was charged with stealing the cash himself at Londonderry Magistrate's court. More details also emerged during the hearing.

A police detective told the court the defendant had made a full admission to the robbery. He said Kearns took the cash from Tesco and drove to a post office in County Sligo owned by his uncle, where he left the money.

The detective also told Londonderry Magistrate's Court that after he had taken the money, Kearns made false cash entries to cover his tracks.

Defence counsel, Keith Kyle said members of Kearns' family had figured out his client's plan and reported his actions to the Gardai. The solicitor also described his client's attempt to create what he described as "the charade of kidnapping" as "fairly pathetic."

The court also heard that Kearns had been involved in an employment dispute with Tesco at the time of the robbery.

A police officer also told the court that during his period in custody the defendant told a police medical officer that he planned to kill himself. Kearns solicitor also said that his client had mental health issues that would require attention.

In applying for bail, Mr Kyle said that his client had planned to live in Blackpool with his girlfriend.

But, Deputy District Judge, Peter Prentner said the accused had previous convictions for fraud, theft, shop lifting, making false statements and altering documents in Blackpool and Preston. He refused bail to the accused.

Michael Kearns was then remanded in custody to reappear in court again next month via video link.