Derry man convicted of animal cruelty charged with trespassing and stealing
Peter Toland (30) of River Court Apartments in Derry was charged with, on December 15, trespassing and stealing a number of items, including cash, from an apartment in John Street
Derry Magistrates' Court heard today that there had been 'several incidents' at an address of the father of a man convicted of animal cruelty.
Peter Toland (30) of River Court Apartments in Derry was charged with, on December 15, trespassing and stealing a number of items, including cash, from an apartment in John Street.
He was also charged with possession of Diazepam on December 16.
The court heard police were initially called after the person living in the apartment returned home and found that someone had forced entry and discovered a number of items missing. They also found a kitchen knife on the bed that didn't belong to them.
Using CCTV, police saw three men enter the apartment and identified one of them as Toland.
Upon searching Toland's property, some of the missing items were found along with a number of Diazepam tablets that he claimed were from an old prescription.
When interviewed, Toland gave no comment answers and refused to identify the other two men in the CCTV footage.
Police objected to bail as he has 49 previous convictions and they believe he is at risk of reoffending and breaching bail conditions.
An officer told the court that there was no suitable address as there had been incidents at Toland's fathers address after his conviction for dog cruelty in December last year.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that Toland claimed the other two men were from Belfast, adding that alcohol had been a factor in what had happened.
He asked for bail to an address approved by the PSNI.
District Judge Barney McElhom said that Toland is 'never a suitable candidate for bail' and remanded him in custody. He will appear again on January 9.