Man remanded at Derry Court following string of thefts from various Eurospars

A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates Court charged with a number of driving offences, possession of drugs and a string of thefts from various Eurospars.

Wayne Campbell (40) of Aranmore Avenue in Derry was charged with, between February 21 and March 10 this year, stealing a number of items from different branches of Eurospar, including £50 worth of Ferrero Rocher.

In each case, the shops reported the theft to police and Campbell was identified via CCTV.

He was also charged with, on February 20 this year, trespassing at an address in Clon Elagh, during which he stole a set of keys and a car that was identified on CCTV following the string of thefts.

Campbell, who is currently banned from having a driving licence, was subsequently charged with driving without a licence and with no insurance.

Police later stopped the car on February 22, only for Campbell to flee over the border in the vehicle.

The car was reported stolen by the owner who had been in Dublin at the time it was taken. Upon his return, he contacted police. He later found the car in Donegal and took it back.

Campbell was arrested at the home of the victim, a friend of his, and claimed that he had purchased the vehicle, despite no proof of the transaction.

Police, upon searching Campbell's residence on May 15, discovered a number of drugs, including cannabis.

Police opposed bail as they say Campbell had been evading them for months, telling the court that they believe there is a very high risk of reoffending and of Campbell not attending court.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott told the court that Campbell had committed a number of 'low level' offences, adding that he had admitted to the new offences.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that he was a 'totally unacceptable candidate' for bail and refused the application. He will appear again on May 23.