An Armagh man branded “one of the most prolific offenders” to appear before the judge has been reluctantly granted bail.
Court heard that Jody Curry, of Barrack Hill, had amassed a record of 146 previous convictions despite being just 26-years-of-age.
He appeared charged with 11 counts of fraud by false representation, handling stolen goods and making a threat to kill at the city’s Magistrates’ on Tuesday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
A prosecution outlined that the case was at an early stage.
They stated: “This was a rather unsophisticated offence; he found a card and used in to make contactless payment, largely for alcohol.
“The total amount was several hundred pounds with several purchases under £30.”
The threat to kill was alleged to have occurred during an altercation with another male in Eurospar, Thomas Street in Armagh.
Prosecution confirmed that bail was objected to, saying: “This man has 146 previous convictions which is significant for a 26-year-old defendant.
“We are of the opinion that if he were released he will go on to commit further offences.”
A constable told the court: “I have managed Jody Curry for several years through the reducing offending unit, in most cases a spiral of drugs and alcohol have led to his offending.”
District Judge Paul Copeland commented: “This is one of the most prolific offenders to appear before this court.”
Defence barrister Bobbie Rea stated: “The address which has been put forward is his partner’s mother’s home in Portadown, outside of Armagh.
“He had managed to stay out of trouble whilst in the carriage of this young lady until, against her will, he returned to Armagh city where he consumed alcohol.
“She has suggested that bail conditions exclude him from Armagh, which could act to counterbalance a multitude of evils.
“Also due to his transient lifestyle in the past a psychiatric approach has not been able to be sought.”
Judge Copeland stated: “It is with some reluctance that I am going to grant bail, although this experiment, if you wish to call it that, may be doomed to fail.”
Curry was released on his own bail of £500, with his partner putting up a surety of £500, as the case was adjourned until November 26.
Conditions of the bail included; to report to police twice a week, to abstain from alcohol and a curfew between 9.30pm and 7am.
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