Man remanded on stolen bank card charges at Derry Court

A man appearing at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with theft and fraud charges told police that there was 'a disturbance' in the street so he headed to Belfast.

Samuel James Robinson (49) of Ebrington Oaks in Derry appeared charged with the theft of a bank card from a wheelchair bound neighbour and four charges of fraud by false representation by using the card.

All of the offences were said to have occurred on October 8.

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

He told the court that the alleged victim gave the card to Robinson to buy cigarettes for him and the card was not returned and four further transactions were carried out by the accused. 

When interviewed the defendant said he 'just forgot to give it back' and the court heard he answered all the questions with questions. 

He also claimed that as he was returning to his address there was a disturbance aimed at him so he went to Belfast. 

The officer said that the accused has 317 previous convictions and police believed there was 'a high chance of re-offending if not an inevitability' 

Defence solicitor Joe Mulholland said his client was not aggressive in any way. 

He said he regularly did messages for this neighbour and this occasion was no different except there was a disturbance so he went to Belfast. 

He then used the card to buy things for himself and fully intended to re-imburse the neighbour. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said it struck him the Waterside PSNI Station may have been closer to avoid the disturbance. 

He added that he did not believe a word the defendant said and remanded him in custody to appear again on November 2.