Alleged burglar crashed into roundabout after brandishing nailed bat to steal elderly couple’s car
An alleged burglar crashed into a roundabout after brandishing a nailed bat to steal an elderly couple’s car, the High Court heard today.
Prosecutors claimed Mark Loughrey, 36, was behind the wheel of the Kia Rio which launched into the air following a police pursuit in Omagh, Co Tyrone.
The Strabane man is accused of carrying out the raid while the victims were at home with their young grandchild. A judge refused to release him on bail based on the risk of committing further offences.
Loughrey, of no fixed abode, faces charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage, driving while unfit and while disqualified, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
Police were alerted on July 20 last year after an intruder entered a house at Pinewood Avenue in Omagh armed with a wooden stick studded with nails.
He demanded the keys to the couple’s car and told them he was on the run from the PSNI, the court heard.
The burglar drove off in their Kia Rio, but a short time later a police patrol spotted the stolen vehicle approaching a roundabout at speed in the Drumnakilly area.
Crown counsel Mark O’Connor said: “The car was observed colliding with the traffic island, it launched into the air and landed in the middle of the roundabout.”
Loughrey allegedly opened the driver’s door and ran off but was chased on foot and caught by PSNI officers. A black North Face baseball cap and a wooden stick with nails embedded in it were located in the passenger side of the crashed vehicle.
It was claimed Loughrey called police who arrested him “black b*****ds” and refused to provide a breath specimen, telling the officers: “Why the f*** do I need to give a sample, I wasn’t driving.”
He also repeatedly kicked and spat inside the cell van while being transported into custody, according to the prosecution.
Opposing bail, Mr O’Connor argued that he could commit further offences and knows where the victims of the burglary live.
Defence counsel argued Loughrey should be released due to delays in the case reaching trial.
The court was told his old boxing coach and an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor were prepared to provide accommodation and employment for him.
However, Madam Justice McBride ruled that Loughrey must remain in custody. She stated: “I am not satisfied that the proposed package would be sufficient to deal with the risk of re-offending.”