District Judge Denies Bail to Dennis Steele Amid Burglary Charges

In a tense hearing at Ballymena Magistrates Court, District Judge Nigel Broderick expressed serious concerns regarding Dennis Steele, a 46-year-old resident of Cappagh Green, Portstewart. Accused of a staggering 30 offences, including 19 counts of burglary, Steele’s case highlights significant issues surrounding the investigation and potential flight risk, prompting the judge to deny his release on bail.

Multiple Charges and Serious Allegations

Dennis Steele’s indictment covers a timeline from 23 February to 29 September 2023, encompassing a wide range of serious charges:

• 19 counts of burglary
• 1 count of attempted burglary
• 3 counts of criminal damage
• 1 count of theft
• 5 drug-related offences (including possession of cannabis, pregabalin, tramadol, and importing a Class B drug)

The alleged burglaries are said to have occurred in various locations, including Coleraine, Macosquin, Portrush, Portstewart, Ballymena, and even the Ballycastle Golf Club restaurant as well as a jeweller’s shop in Ballyclare. In these incidents, property valued at over £86,500 in jewellery and £15,000 in golfing equipment was reportedly stolen.

According to Detective Constable (DC) Frawley, police have gathered compelling evidence against Steele. Surveillance footage from Steele’s own CCTV cameras purportedly shows him leaving and returning to his home at critical times related to the alleged burglaries. In addition, items stolen during these incidents were reportedly found at Steele’s residence, alongside photographs of stolen goods discovered on his partner’s mobile phone.

Evidence Against Steele

The prosecution’s case is bolstered by forensic evidence, including DNA links to his co-accused Samuel Todd, who has 24 charges pending for burglary, theft, and criminal damage. The court heard that both Steele and Todd had been seen together on CCTV, raising questions about their activities during the period of the alleged crimes.

DC Frawley mentioned that Steele’s actions raised significant alarm; he allegedly fled from police when they attempted to arrest him on Thursday, only to be detained the following day. This behavior added to police concerns about his likelihood to abscond if released on bail.

“We are concerned that if he is released, he may attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation by disposing of stolen goods that have not yet been recovered,” DC Frawley told the court.

Defense Arguments

In defense of Steele, solicitor Eoghan McKenna argued that while Steele and Todd were captured on CCTV together, they had been cohabiting, thereby presenting a potentially innocent explanation for their association. He emphasized that Steele had previously been granted police bail and that the case might take a considerable amount of time to progress through the court system.

McKenna proposed stringent conditions for bail that would, he argued, address the concerns raised by law enforcement. However, Judge Broderick remained unconvinced, stating, “I’m not minded to grant bail,” and remanded Steele into custody until the next scheduled court appearance on 18 November.

Community Impact and Legal Implications

The case has sent ripples of concern through the communities affected by the alleged crimes. Residents worry about safety, particularly in light of the extensive nature of the alleged burglaries that targeted homes and local businesses. The implications for the local economy, particularly for businesses that may have been impacted by the thefts, are notable.

As investigations continue, the case against Steele reminds the public and law enforcement of the ongoing challenges related to property crime and drug-related offences.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The upcoming court date on 18 November will be crucial for Steele, as more evidence may emerge, and both the prosecution and defense prepare their arguments. The situation underscores the complexities involved in the judicial process, especially with high-stakes cases that involve multiple charges and significant public interest.

Those looking to follow Steele’s case further may be interested in related articles on our site, including updates on local crime trends and community safety initiatives.

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