Three accused of burglary spree

Three accused of burglary spree

30 September 2015

THREE local men have been charged in connection with an alleged burglary spree, across counties Down and Armagh, during which six businesses and a home were targeted.

Standing in the dock at Downpatrick Court on Monday for their preliminary enquiry, were Malachy Kennedy (23), Stephen Collins (24), and Dean Richard Damien Dobbin (24).

Kennedy has addresses listed at both Thornlea Grove and Naghan Court, Seaforde; Collins has an address listed at Carnalroe Road in Ballyward, and Dobbin, has addresses at both Downpatrick’s Killough Walk and Glebetown Drive.

All three defendants were charged with six burglaries of business premises and one burglary of a home. The burgled businesses include the Mourne Seafood Bar, Vivo and Keenan Commercials, all in Dundrum. 

Other burglaries took place in Dromara, Keady and Newtownhamilton.

The defendants were all also charged with one allegation of aggravated vehicle taking of a Ford Focus Zetec, one count of criminal damage to a CCTV system and one count of arson.

In addition to these, Kennedy was charged with two counts of possession of diazepam and one count of possession of cannabis.

All of the offences are alleged to have occurred between January 3-7 this year.

The trio were released on their own bail to appear before the November 9 sitting of Downpatrick Crown Court when, it is expected, they will be arraigned.

As part of their bail conditions, the men must not have contact with each other, are not to enter any premises in relation to this case and must abide by a 10pm to 7am curfew.