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Robbery accused has 'dozen aliases'

A man accused of robbing two frail and elderly brothers in their home has a dozen known aliases, a court heard.

Felix Nolan was arrested in London last month - more than four years after the raid on the victims' house near Newry. Prosecutors said he would flee if released. They said he has travelled throughout Europe and is being sought in Germany. Mr Nolan (24), of Sandys Street, Newry, denies robbery and aggravated burglary with intent to steal.

Three men are believed to have forced their way into Jimmy and Patrick Murtagh's home at Lurganare Cross in April 2009. They ransacked the property, claimed to be armed and stole £65 in cash, the High Court heard. Following identification procedures Nolan was brought back to northern Ireland in 2010 after being detained in Liverpool while getting off a flight from Amsterdam.

He was released by a district judge and allegedly moved to the Republic before going to England. Conor Maguire, prosecuting, said:

"There are 12 known aliases for this applicant. "They are all around his Felix Nolan name but he nevertheless uses aliases."

Ronan Daly, defending, said his client insists he is innocent. Refusing bail, mr Justice Horner said he could not be confident Nolan would remain in northern Ireland if released.