A Lurgan man who is accused of “ripping” a monitoring unit from the wall of his home whilst on bail has been remanded in custody.
The district judge stated that whilst she was not satisfied the 39-year-old had breached his bail, she did not consider him a suitable candidate for release.
John Paul Ward, of Ulster Street, appeared on foot of a breach of bail and further charges at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday via videolink from police custody.
The defendant had been on bail for charges of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and possession of Class C.
None of the facts in this case were heard, but the particulars alleged that Ward had a three feet long bar on Millennium Way, Lurgan, on October 27 and was in possession of pregabalin.
The defendant was further charged with criminal damage and common assault and he confirmed he understood the charges and was connected to the same by a constable.
Defence barrister David McKeown made no question to the connection but informed the court that the breach was not accepted.
Outlining the background, the constable stated that Ward had “ripped” the monitoring system as per his bail conditions from the wall of his Lurgan home.
When G4S staff went to investigate this, the defendant is alleged to have become aggressive and to have thrown the unit at a female staff member.
The constable stated police were objecting to bail over concerns that Ward would commit further offences.
She added that four attempts were made by G4S to have the system installed at first, with police eventually having to attend.
Mr McKeown questioned what condition his client was alleged to have breached and commented that although he had a record it was not the “most significant”.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated that she was not satisfied that bail had been breached but she did not consider him a suitable candidate for release.
She commented that the likelihood of Ward committing further offences was “exceptionally high”.
The defendant was remanded in custody as both cases were adjourned to dates in the New Year.
