Former footballer is charged with attempting to rob shops with knife

AN ex-Irish League footballer has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with possessing a knife and carrying out a number of attempted robberies at premises — including a charity shop — in Ballymena.

Jamie Davidson, of Carnduff Drive in the town, used to play for Ballymena United and once attracted the attention of scouts from a number of Premier League sides before he suffered an injury setback.

The 23-year-old was brought into the dock at Ballymena Mag- istrates Court in handcuffs yesterday for a brief hearing.

He faces three charges of attempted robbery.

He allegedly tried to steal cash on Tuesday at the Polita supermarket in Lower Mill Street, the Save the Children shop at Wellington Street, and at Nik Naks in Greenvale Street.

Davidson is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon, namely a knife, in Lower Mill Street.

He is further accused of the attempted theft of a camera worth £299 from Currys in Braidwater Retail Park and causing criminal damage to a security cable belonging to Currys.

Accused: Jamie Davidson

A detective constable said that he could connect the accused to the charges.

Defence solicitor Marie Dolan said she had no issues with her client being connected to the charges. She said no immediate bail application was being made.

A prosecutor said that she was seeking a remand in custody.

District Judge Peter King remanded Davidson in custody to appear back at the same court via video-link on December 7.

Ms Dolan said a bail application is expected to be made on that occasion.

Previously on Tuesday, the PSNI said: “Police received reports of attempted robberies at shops in Mill Street, Wellington Street and Greenvale Street area of Ballymena this morning, Tuesday, November 28.

“It was reported that a man carrying a knife entered the premises and demanded money from staff.”

Davidson was once regarded as a top prospect in the Irish League, but his career has been blighted by injury.

Five years ago it was reported that Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City and Brighton and Hove Albion were looking at him.

He had been with his home town club since joining the youth set-up at the age of just six.

In 2013 he suffered a knee injury that , it was said at the time, would sideline him for a long period.