A man who is accused of breaching a breaching a violent offences prevention order imposed on him by drinking in Newry has been refused bail.
The 32-year-old’s solicitor told court: “He’s been doing his probation, he’s been doing his community service …..he’s got all these things in place and he’s made a mess of it last night.”
Shane Latrell Toner, of Kings Lane in Warrenpoint, is charged with breaching a violent offences prevention order (VOPO), resisting police and criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday via videolink from police custody.
None of the facts were heard, but as the charges were read court heard that on March 28 the defendant was alleged to have breached a VOPO by consuming alcohol in the vicinity Cornmarket, Newry.
He was also accused of resisting the arrest of an officer and damaging a cell van belonging to the PSNI.
Toner also appeared on foot of breaching a bail condition prohibiting him from being under the influence of alcohol, in relation to a allegation of disorderly behaviour.
Defence solicitor Chris Logue informed the court that the breach was accepted and that a fresh bail application was being made.
Outlining objections, a constable stated: “He committed these offences whilst on police bail and also whilst on this violent offences prevention order. We don’t believe he is going to adhere to any conditions.
“He has breached the violent offenders prevention order, he has an extensive criminal record with 75 convictions…. he had breached bail previously, albeit one in 2010 and one in 2020, and he was also recalled to prison on January 4, of 2019.”
Mr Logue submitted: “The disorderly behaviour was the only matter, up until this arrest last night, that had come to police attention since he was disposed of in the Crown Court, I think it was the end of October last year.”
The solicitor stated that his client had not breached his Crown Court bail for one year whilst awaiting sentence, which was a combination order consisting of community service and probation.
“He’s been doing his probation, he’s been doing his community service …..he’s got all these things in place and he’s made a mess of it last night,” said Mr Logue.
“None of these cases are going to trouble the court …..he’s taken a drink out of his mother’s grave and things have got away from your worship unfortunately.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “Everything in front of me points to someone who will not adhere to the terms of a court order.
“One of the charges that’s alleged against him is a breach of a court order and given that that also leaves him in breach of previous bail conditions, I don’t consider him a suitable candidate for bail.”
Bail was refused and the case was adjourned into Newry Magistrates’ on March 30.
