Man charged over burglary attempt bitten by police dog

AN alleged burglar was bitten by a police dog after being chased by a man wearing just boxer shorts, the High Court has heard.

Gavin O’Halloran needed a tetanus injection for wounds inflicted to his arm following the pursuit in north Belfast, his lawyer said.

The 26-year-old, of Moyard Parade in the city, was arrested after being found hiding in bushes on July 25.

O’Halloran denies charges of attempted burglary and going equipped for burglary.

Refusing his application for bail yesterday, a judge stressed the need to protect householders in the area.

He claims that he was only on the streets after being chased from a nearby party. Prosecuhad tion counsel Kate McKay said a householder on Dunkeld Gardens was woken by noises coming from the patio.

When he looked out a window a man in the garden fled towards the Oldpark Road.

Police called to the scene spotted a man matching the alleged would-be raider’s description running down Cliftondene Park.

“He was being chased at that stage by another member of the public who was dressed only in boxer shorts,” Mrs McKay said.

“That man was shouting ‘Catch him’.”

According to the prosecutor a search involving a police dog led to O’Halloran being discovered in a nearby hedge.

Blackglovesandascrewdriver were also found in the area, the court heard.

O’Halloran was said to be wearing two sets of clothing and to be taken to hospital due to his state of intoxication.

Disputing the evidence against his client, defence barrister John O’Connor countered that he was only in north Belfast to attend a party.

“An argument arose where he was chased by the occupants of the party, he escaped and hid in a bush,” the lawyer said.

Mr O’Connor claimed the accused suffered injuries during attempts to restrain him using the police dog.

“In his words it attacked him, he had serious bite marks on his arm,” he added.

“He was taken to hospital to receive a tetanus injection.”

Denying bail, however, Mr Justice Maguire held that a prima facie case had been established.

He said: “The general public in the area is entitled to some relief from the risk of burglary.”