Two men accused of robbery, making off with car keys, and taking a vehicle without authority will face Crown Court proceedings later this year.
Laurence Sean Johnston, 38, of Altmore Gardens in Newry, and Shane Latrell-Toner, 31, of Kings Lane in Warrenpoint, appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Both men are charged with burglary of a dwelling and taking a motor vehicle without authority.
Meanwhile, Latrell-Toner faces further allegations of possession of a Class A drug and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
As these charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences are alleged to have occurred on June 5, of last year.
The pair are accused of entering a property on St Clares Avenue, Newry, stealing car keys therein and taking a Mercedes C Class without the consent of the owner.
Latrell-Toner is further alleged to have been in possession of cocaine and a knife.
Appearing from the dock, both men confirmed they had no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence counsels made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, the defendants were released on continuing bail to appear before Newry Crown Court on August 31 for arraignment.
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