Two Lurgan brothers have appeared in court for the first time following the report of sectarian hate crime in Co Armagh last month.
Adrian Douglas, 34, with an address in Carrick Drive, and his brother, 37-year-old Alistair Douglas, with an address in Charles Baron Gardens, both appeared in person before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning charged with attempted theft and attempted criminal damage.
The charges relate to an incident at a house in Ashleigh Crescent, Lurgan, on Sunday, April 30.
During the brief hearing the defendants confirmed they understood the charges against them.
However, the prosecution stated that “this matter has been looked at by a senior prosecutor and both matters are to proceed on indictment (to the Crown Court)”.
She added: “In relation to Adrian Douglas, at present, the charge is to be intimidation. In relation to Alistair Douglas, the charge is aiding and abetting intimidation.”
She also confirmed that both attempted criminal damage charges were also to proceed on indictment.
Defending the pair, Gabriel Ingram, said: “I would object to that”.
Legal aid applications were submitted for both defendants. Legal aid was granted in respect of Adrian Douglas, who is in receipt of benefits, while District Judge Francis Rafferty reserved the legal aid application for Alistair Douglas – a self-employed window cleaner – “subject to the submission of accounts”.
Both were freed on continuing bail with restrictions, which include: no contact with the injured party; not to be in Ashleigh Crescent in Lurgan; no alcohol in a public place; and to submit to a preliminary breath test if requested by police.
The case was adjourned until July 14 for an update.
