Man charged in connection with an alleged burglary at Derry motel remanded

A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged in connection with an alleged burglary at a motel outside the city.

John Paul Thompson (44) of Clooney Road in Derry appeared charged with entering a premises as a trespasser and stealing a laptop, and various other items on January 1.

He was also charged with fraud by false representation in using a stench bank card and attempted fraud by false representation on the same date. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He told the court that police received a report of a theft at the Banks of the Faughan premises. 

The theft allegedly occurred in the early hours of the morning when the occupier of the room was asleep. 

CCTV was checked and the court heard that a person identified as the defendant was seen entering the room and leaving with a large object under his sweatshirt. 

The alleged victim met the defendant the next morning and Thompson said he was going to Belfast. 

At 11.49am the alleged victim received an alert that his card had been used in Royal Avenue in Belfast. 

He immediately cancelled the card and shortly afterwards there was an attempt to use it at another outlet in Belfast but the card was declined. 

Thompson made a no comment interview and the court heard that there was a risk of re-offending as the defendant had 218 previous convictions. 

The police officer said that they had no confidence Thompson would abide by any conditions imposed by the court. 

Defence counsel Brendan Kearney said even if granted bail the defendant would have to find an address. 

He said Thompson had 'difficulties' to cope with.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that the defendant had 'an atrocious record' and a poor bail history.

He said Thompson was not a good candidate for bail as it was 'almost a certainty' he would re-offend.

Thompson was remanded in custody to appear again on January 25.