Derry man armed with a 10 inch butcher's knife charged with aggravated burglaries

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with breaking into a church in what a judge described as 'a mean act'.

Shane Kavanagh (29) of Waterloo Place in Derry was charged with aggravated burglary at St Augustine's Church on May 7 with intent to steal.

He was also charged with an aggravated burglary at a dwelling on the same date with intent to steal while armed with a 10 inch butcher's knife.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that police were alerted that two males were seen acting suspiciously outside St Augustine's Church hall.

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When police investigated they found damage to the door and damage to windows. 

It was also discovered that £605 had been taken and the other suspect in the case was found with 'multiple money bags on him'.

The court heard that on May 12 a nan reported an incident that occurred on May 7 when he said that four men had entered his property while he was in his bed.

He said that he knew one of the men, Kavanagh, who he said held him at knifepoint while items were taken including a bank card and a mobile phone.

Bail was opposed as there was a risk of reoffending and the defendant had 19 previous convictions. 

Also fears were expressed that Kavanagh could interfere with witnesses in the case.

Defence counsel Michael Donaghy said that his client had not made any admissions. 

He said that 'realistically' with the further analysis that has to be done it could be some time before this case is dealt with. 

District Judge Ted Magill said that it could be some time before the case would be dealt with but if convicted Kavanagh could face a lengthy custodial sentence.

He said that the defendant was not suitable candidate for bail and remanded him in custody to appear again on May 29.