BURGLAR FELL AS HE FLED COPS
Man appears in court on crutches after accident:
ABURGLAR who took money from a charity box and other items from a sports shop hobbled into court on crutches after falling while trying to flee from police.
Geno Anthony Maher took an iPad, a mobile phone and charger, a packet of crisps, a flapjack and a red jacket from the DW Sports store at the St David’s retail park in Bangor early last Sunday morning.
The 46-year-old, who gave his address as the Waverley Hotel in Bangor, admitted the single charge of burglary when he appeared from custody before magistrates at Caernarfon.
He hobbled into court on crutches and defence solicitor Gareth Parry said he had aggravated an old injury after trying to run away from police officers.
Mr Parry said Maher accepted there was only one option.
He was already subject to recall to prison for breaching the terms of his licence. The court was told the shop’s alarm activated at about 5.30am on Sunday and two staff members attended.
Diane Williams, prosecuting, said they saw a man walking about the café and gym area, which is on the ground floor of the store.
They approached him and Maher suggested they leave and call the police.
Police officers saw a man who matched the description of Maher in Maes Berea and tried to speak with him.
“He was not co-operating and did not stop,” said Ms Williams.
“He shrugged off the officers and tried to run away, dropping the carrier bag he was holding.
“After a short chase, he was brought to the ground and arrested.”
The bag was examined and was found to contain the iPad, the mobile phone and the other items taken from the store.
Ms Williams said Maher had two previous convictions for burglary, both in commercial premises, dating from 2016 and 2007.
Court chairman Peter Talbot said the bench were not prepared to sentence and committed the matter to crown court.
Maher was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court next month.