A Newry man who is accused of burglary with intent to steal armed with a claw hammer will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 37-year-old appeared at the city’s Magistrates’ on Wednesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Oliver Garvey, of Upper Edward Street, is charged with aggravated burglary with intent to steal, criminal damage and assault on police.
As these charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences are alleged to have occurred on June 22, of last year.
The defendant is accused of entering as a trespasser a building situated on Mary Street in Newry with intent to steal while being in possession of a claw hammer.
Garvey is also alleged to have without lawful excuse damaged a kitchen unit.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence solicitor John Rocks made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer and the defendant was released on his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on February 23 for arraignment.
