Chip shop robbery accused granted bail

Stewart McAllister, whose address was given on court papers as Pelham Road, is charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possessing Cocaine with intent to suuply.

He is further charged with a number of driving offences on September 4th last.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations that two males robbed a chip shop on Spencer Road, stealing almost £700 from the till.

They made off in a silver car which was allegedly driven and owned by McAllister.

The court heard that the car was involved in a collision in the Duke Street area which caused another car to spin 180 degrees.

It was abandoned on the Victoria Road and during a search, police allegedly found over £700 worth of Cocaine.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said police have concerns the 21-year-old will commit further offences.

She confirmed police believe McAllister remained in the car during the robbery.

The officer also raised concerns about the proposed bail address because it will not offer McAllister any stability.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said the two co-accused, who are believed to have entered the chip shop, were granted bail.

He said McAllister was ‘basically the get away driver.’

District Judge Barney McElholm granted bail to an address in Belfast with a number of conditions. These include a ban on entering Derry unless directed to attend court.