Fermanagh man who breached bail remanded in custody

Christopher Patrick Reid, of no fixed abode, was arrested on January 30 in a house in Trasna Way, Lisnaskea after police were called to a disturbance at the property.

When they arrived, they spoke with a male who was leaving the rear of the property and was intoxicated.

Officers then entered the house and found Reid with a co-accused in another matter, someone he was supposed to have no contact with as per his bail conditions, and was arrested.

Police believe Reid could commit further offences and pointed to his 154 convictions which include burglary, criminal damage and assault.

They feel that Reid has a blatant disregard for bail conditions and pointed out that eight bench warrants have been issued by the court in the past for Reid.

Michael Fahy, representing Reid, questioned how police could formulate that his client would offend further when the breach of bail was accepted, and he pointed out that the investigation which Reid was prohibited from contacting the co-accused in was at an end.

Mr. Fahy said it would be more worrying if Reid had been breaching other conditions of bail, such as drug and alcohol conditions, but this was not the case.

District Judge Steven Keown said that Reid's extensive criminal record gave rise to considerable concern for a high risk of reoffending.

He added that the court has tried to manage Reid, but he had shown little or no regard for it as well as Covid-19 regulations, and bail was refused.