CHIPS DOWN FOR BURGER VAN RAIDER AS BAIL REFUSED

High Court refuses bail to a man charged a midnight raid on a burger van in Ards

High Court refuses bail to a man charged a midnight raid on a burger van in Ards

A MAN accused of stealing burgers, frozen sausages and cash in a night-time raid on a mobile fast-food unit must has been refused High Court bail.

Philip Hedley was told on Tuesday that he is to remain in custody after prosecutors revealed the break-in caused £1,000 worth of damage.

And concerns were also raised about potential interference with a witness in the case following a remark Hedley allegdly made.

Hedley, of Ballyholme Road, Bangor, is charged with burglary and theft from a portable grill bar in Newtownards.

The 30-year-old was arrested along with another man close to the scene at Jubilee Road on February 7 this year.

Police observed the pair quickening their pace before the co-accused was spotted throwing items away, the court heard.

Cash, loose change and a bag of frozen meat was recovered nearby.

Prosecutor David McClean said the unit’s serving hatch had been forced open by the raiders.

“The owner indicated there had been burgers stolen, £30 in coins, a £5 note and change,” he said.

A bag of sausages had also been taken from the freezer. Hedley denied involvement in the burglary, telling police he was going to buy beer when stopped.

Mr McClean raised concern about possible witness interference based on a comment the accused allegedly made.

Defence counsel downplayed the remark and argued that the case against Hedley was coincidental and circumstantial.

“There’s no evidence linking him, apart from being with the co-accused,” he added.

Mr Justice Deeny was told the case is expected to go to trial at the Crown Court.

Refusing bail due to the risk of re-offending, the Mr Justice Deeny said: “Burglaries are to be viewed with gravity, certainly they are viewed with gravity by the victims.”

 

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