Remand for Derry man who stole from Boots following lifetime ban

A man who has been banned from entering Boots in Foyleside for life has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today facing two charges of entering the store as a burglar and stealing items valued at hundreds of pounds.

John Coyle (52) of St Eithne's Park in Derry was charged with entering the premises as a burglar on March 19 and March 22.

The court heard that at 5.20pm on March 19 Coyle was said to have entered Boots and cleared a row of products valued at more than £1,000 and left without paying.

On March 22 at 2.55pm Coyle was again said to have entered Boots in Foyleside and again stole a range of products into a bag and left without paying.

The court heard that Coyle had been banned from entering Boots in October 2022.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had 'an extensive record' but said that these were 'technical burglaries'.

He said the defendant had made admissions and was stealing to fund his addiction.

The solicitor said that Coyle could be managed with stringent bail conditions.

Deputy District Judge Alan White said he had no intention of granting him bail.

He said Coyle had been given a chance in January when he was given a suspended sentence and then committed more offences. 

Coyle was remanded in custody to appear again on April 11.