A man accused of going on a shoplifting spree has been remanded in custody after he denied all the charges and refused to apply for bail.
Representing himself, 28-year-old Andrew McCandless, of Castleview, Gilford, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Newry, via videolink from Banbridge custody suite.
The court heard of a number of theft allegedly carried out by the defendant over the course of four weeks.
The court heard that on May 12, the accused allegedly stole around £18 worth of goods from a Spar store.
On June 1 and 2, it is alleged that the defendant stole two bottles of red wine from Tesco, valued at £27 each respectively.
Finally, on June 6, it is alleged that the defendant stole a sandwich and goods to the value of around £8 from a Spar in Laurencetown. On the same date, it is alleged that he stole £10 worth of groceries from a Centra.
In response to the charges, McCandless, who has 21 previous convictions, answered: “I will be pleading not guilty and I do not wish to apply for bail.”
The Public Prosecution Service requested four weeks and McCandless was remanded in custody until July 5.
In closing, Presiding Officer, Deputy District Judge O’Hare, told the defendant: “I advise you to try and get a solicitor to protect your interests”.
