Teenager accused of burglary and crashing stolen car

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations the car was stolen during a burglary in the Hazlebank area and was later found in the Republic of Ireland.

It was found overturned and on its roof after it had been crashed.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, is charged with ten offences relating to an alleged incident on June 16.

They include burglary, dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

He is further charged with dangerous driving and having no insurance or licence relating to a separate incident on June 14.

The court heard that the teen is on bail for other burglary offences, allegedly committed earlier this month.

It is alleged a car was parked in a lay by on the Springtown Road on June 14.

Eye witnesses claim they saw the defendant get into the vehicle and drive away.

It was swerving across the road because it had flat tyres.

Eye witnesses also allegedly saw the teen push the car part of the way.

During interview, the teen claimed he had bought the car in exchange for an iPad.

He was released on police bail.

However, it is alleged the teen was involved in a traffic collision shortly before 5pm on the Ringfort Road and had made off from the scene.

The injured party is a pregnant woman and she had to be taken to hospital.

The registration number of the car was traced back to a nearby property and police discovered that glass had been broken in a door.

The court heard police believed the house was broken into and a set of car keys were stolen.

Eye witnesses named the teen as the driver but he denied any involvement.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said police believed the defendant ‘poses a serious risk to himself and members of the public’.

He said the recent history of offending by the teen ‘paints a worrying picture’.

The officer added that the Youth Justice Agency felt they could no longer work with him.

Defence solicitor Keith Kyle said his client believed ‘anytime something happens his is the first name put out there as the person responsible’.

District Judge Barney McElholm refused bail, stating he had a duty to protect the public and the teen was ‘out of control’.

The teen will appear in court again next month.