Youth bailed in relation to sword attack in robberies

Youth bailed in relation to sword attack in robberies

3 February 2016

A DOWNPATRICK teenager allegedly armed himself with a sword for separate robbery bids on a takeaway and garage, the High Court has heard.

Alex Orr is accused of having the weapon during the theft of scratch cards from a filling station in Co Down.

The 18-year-old was also allegedly involved in trying to steal cash from a fast food outlet the same day.

Orr, of Leaside Gardens, faces charges of robbery, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in public. 

He was granted bail due to the expected delay over any trial. 

Prosecution counsel, Conor Gillespie, claimed Orr was involved in targeting the businesses on August 3 last year.

The barrister said a man entered a Chinese takeaway in Ballykinlar carrying a sword he banged on the counter. But the owner lifted an iron bar and chased him from the premises. 

Mr Gillespie said a robber entered the garage on Newcastle Road in Castlewellan the same day, again brandishing  a sword and demanding money. A female member of staff fled before the intruder lifted some lottery scratch cards and got into a waiting car.

Orr and two other suspects were arrested later. They denied involvement in either incident, claiming they were just out for a drive.

Defence barrister, Richard McConkey, centred his renewed application for bail on the uncertainty around when any trial will be held.

Mr McConkey argued that his client was young to held in custody for such a long period.

Granting the application, Judge Patrick Lynch said it “fell just on the right side” of bail in the circumstances.

Orr must live under curfew at an agreed address and he is also banned from entering Castlewellan or Ballykinlar.