A 27-year-old man has appeared in court on multiple charges including three alleged burglaries in Belcoo on the same date. 

Tiernan McAteer of Oldpark Square in Belfast is accused of entering Lakeland Community Care as a trespasser and stealing a Dyson vacuum cleaner and an iPad, then entering a bar as a trespasser and stealing two cases of Guinness glasses.

He then allegedly entered a property at MacNean Court as a trespasser causing criminal damage in the process.

There are also charges of assaulting a police officer, damaging a PSNI vehicle, possessing cannabis and having a wrench for use in burglary.

A police officer aware of the facts of the case told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court all charges could be connected.

She explained police received a 999 report shortly after 9pm on November 28 in relation to a burglary at Lakeland Community Care.

The caller observed a male running from the side of the building and gave a description of him and his clothes which included a burgundy jacket.

On arrival police discovered the vacuum cleaner, iPad and the burgundy jacket in a nearby bin.

A wrench and mobile phone were hidden in the jacket.

Shortly after this a male matching the previous description was seen inside a property at MacNean Court.

This transpired to be McAteer who on spotting police approaching appeared at the door of the property brandishing a screwdriver and a bottle whilst shouting threats at officers.

He threw bottles and a small statue at the PSNI vehicle, smashing the windscreen and causing dents and scratching to a side panel.

Officers managed to arrest him although he remained aggressive throughout.

He was taken to hospital as a precaution and whilst there it emerged he was suspected of involvement in a number of burglaries in Belcoo, with CCTV showing him kicking door panels of a property in order to gain entry.

On being discharged from hospital into police custody, McAteer claimed someone, who he refused to name, had given him a lift from Belfast to Belcoo but thereafter declined to answer any further questions.

Objecting to bail the officer said: “The defendant is a prolific offender with 56 previous convictions including 14 burglaries, six thefts and 16 criminal damage. He is also on bail for three pending matters in other courts which he has breached by these charges. This shows bail conditions are insufficient to prevent or curb the risk of offending.”

She continued: “He appears to be living a chaotic lifestyle, strongly influenced by a destructive relationship with drink and drugs.”

Representing himself, McAteer urged District Judge Francis Rafferty to grant bail: “Not for me but for the sake of my mother who is very ill. I need to be there to help her.”

The judge enquired: “How precisely were you helping your mother by being involved in burglaries in Belcoo?"

McAteer replied: “I went up for one night and ended up doing this.”

Judge Rafferty said: “And who looked after your mother when you sailed off to Belcoo?”

He was told: “Her partner. I’ve never got a chance to speak. This is the first time I’ve represented myself, just to show I’m a man who speaks from the heart.”

Refusing bail Judge Rafferty concluded: “I suggest this should be the last time you represent yourself. I cannot be satisfied any bail conditions could prevent further offending.”

McAteer will appear again by video-link at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on December 16.