‘Heroin addict’ accused of Derry Peace Bridge robbery
A “heroin addict” accused of robbing a woman on the city’s Peace Bridge has been refused bail at the local magistrates court.
Robert Gannon, with an address at Dunvale Close, is charged with robbery, fraud by false representation, converting criminal property and attempting to convert criminal property.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on the Peace Bridge on February 5.
Derry Magistrates Court heard allegations that the injured party, a 41-year-old female, was walking across the bridge when she was approached by Gannon.
The 25-year-old tapped her on the shoulder and asked her for her bag. At one point he also allegedly held a knife out at her.
The bag, which contained cash, bank cards, a mobile phone and gift cards, was handed over to Gannon and he then made off in a taxi from Foyle Street.
It is alleged that within one hour of the alleged robbery the stolen bank cards were used at a bank machine.
The court heard further allegations that Gannon attempted to sell the mobile phone to a shop in the city.
Gannon was arrested and during police interview he claimed he has a drug addiction and was desperate for money.
He denied he had used a knife during the robbery, stating that he had “used an object he found on the ground”.
Opposing bail the investigating officer said police feared the 25-year-old would abscond.
He said Gannon had only just come to Northern Ireland in November and has “absolutely nothing keeping him here”.
Police also fear that Gannon who is “addicted to heroin” will commit further offences in order “to feed his habit”.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley applied for the 25-year-old to be released on bail, with stringent conditions.
Deputy District Judge Peter King refused bail and Gannon was remanded in custody to appear in court again via videolink on April 8.
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Weather for Derry
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
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