Burglary accused banned from Belfast university district

The no-go zone was imposed on Ryan McFadden amid claims he broke into the property and stole computers, electronic tablets and money.

Police claimed the raid was carried out in a burglary “hotspot” less than a mile from the 20-year-old accused’s home.

McFadden appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with burgling the house on Elaine Street last month.

The defendant, of Dunluce Avenue in the city, allegedly stole three laptops, three mobile phones, two iPads, two Kindle Fire devices and £250 in cash.

Opposing bail, a PSNI officer claimed the risk of reoffending could not be managed.

She told the court McFadden lives 0.7 miles from the scene of the break-in.

Referring to the surrounding streets, the officer added: “This is a hotspot for burglaries and thefts.”

Defence solicitor Brian Archer confirmed his client will be contesting the charge.

He claimed the only evidence was a fingerprint found on moveable foam packaging.

Granting bail, the judge imposed an exclusion zone to keep McFadden out of the University Road and Stranmillis Road areas.

He also ordered the accused to wear an electronic tag and abide by a nighttime curfew.

McFadden is due back in court next month.