Man (34) appears in court in connection with Draperstown aggravated burglary

A man has appeared before court charged in connection with an aggravated burglary which happened in Draperstown at the weekend.

Sean Trainor appeared before Magherafelt Magistrates Court, sitting in Bishop Street courthouse in Derry this afternoon (Wednesday), charged with aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm at Glenelly Villas, Draperstown on September 8.

The 34 year-old was further charged with aggravated burglary and theft at the same address on September 1.

The court heard that the injured party, a 25 year-old man was playing computer games in the property, which he shares with his father, when two men, one armed with wooden bats, entered the house just after 11pm on Sunday night.

An investigating officer told the court that the injured party was attacked during the incident and sustained injuries to his face, including damage to his teeth, swelling and redness.

The officer told the court that Trainor, who also lives in the Glenelly Villas estate, was arrested after the victim identified him as being the person who was holding the wooden bats.

The officer said that the victim claimed that Trainor's face was concealed by a scarf however this came away during the struggle revealing his face.

The injured party said that he had known Trainor for over 20 years as he lived in the same estate as him however the court heard that the victim claimed that he was not friends with the accused and they had not had a fall out.

The victim also alleged that a similar incident had occurred the previous week on September 1 when just after midnight, two men, one armed with wooden bats, had entered his home and stole his wallet and £200 cash.

He claimed that he believed Trainor was also involved in this incident, the court was told.

During interview, Trainor made one 'no comment' answer and refused to speak during the rest of it.

The investigating officer said that police were opposed to releasing Trainor on bail as these alleged offences were committed while he was on probation and licence.

He stated that the alleged incidents were committed one week apart and there were fears of further offending and the possibility of interfering with witnesses in the case.

A representative from the Probation Board echoed these concerns stating that if Trainor was released on bail he would be living within the same estate as the victim making it very hard to monitor him.

Trainor's defence barrister said a bail address could be provided for the accused in Sixtowns.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she was prepared to release Trainor on bail in the sum of £500 subject to an address being approved by police.

As part of the bail conditions imposed by the court, Trainor is not to enter Draperstown as defined by the 30mph zone, he is not to have any contact with the complainant and is to observe a curfew between the hours of 9pm and 9am.

The case was adjourned until October 9.