Burglar is remanded over Rushmere shopping centre burglary

An alleged burglar who was caught in the toilet of the fast food restaurant he broke into was remanded into custody today.

Appearing in the dock of Craigavon Magistrates Court, just across the road from the McDonalds he alleged burgled last month, 24-year-old Gary Kenneth James O’Hara confirmed that he understood the seven charges against him.

O’Hara, whose address was given as c/o Maghaberry Prison, is accused of aggravated burglary at the McDonalds branch of Rushmere shopping centre in that when he allegedly burgled the fast food outlet in the early hours of 24 March, he was armed with a baton and a hammer.

He is also charged with three counts of causing criminal damage to the windows of O’Briens sandwich shop, Craigavon Watersports Centre and if a white Ford Transit Van belonging to Craigavon Borough Council, obstructing police and two counts of interfering with vehicles.

O’Hara was arrested hiding in a toilet cubicle shortly after 5.30am when an alarm went off at the fast food outlet.

Speaking at the time a police spokesperson said officers uncovered a baton, an iPad and a mask during the arrest.

In court today a police constable said she believed she could connect O’Hara to the charges and as no bail application was lodged on his behalf, District Judge Mervyn Bates remanded O’Hara into custody to appear again on 13 May.