Man, who a judge said he believed was 'stealing to fund his drug habit', charged with theft
Harry Boyle (34) of Carnhill in Derry appeared charged with four counts of stealing goods from Long's Supermarket on April 29 and May 6, from Marks and Spencer's on May 26 and from Boots on May 31
A man, who a judge said he believed was 'stealing to fund his drug habit', has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with four counts of stealing from local stores.
Harry Boyle (34) of Carnhill in Derry appeared charged with four counts of stealing goods from Long's Supermarket on April 29 and May 6, from Marks and Spencer's on May 26 and from Boots on May 31.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
He said he opposed bail due to the risk of reoffending and the fact that Boyle had breached bail on 27 occasions.
The court heard that Boyle was not out of prison very long.
Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client was not currently on bail for anything and had an address.
District Judge Ted Magill said that there was 'a real possibility' if convicted Boyle could receive a custodial sentence.
He said that it could be several months before this case is heard so he added that with 'considerable reluctance' he would grant Boyle bail.
He was granted bail to an address approved by PSNI, excluded from entering any of the three stores he was charged with stealing from and have no non prescribed drugs.
Boyle will appear again on July 2.