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Bail refused for man who went on run after visiting girlfriend's grave

Stephen Burns failed to return to custody and was at large for five days before being arrested at the Welcome Hostel in Belfast  
Stephen Burns failed to return to custody and was at large for five days before being arrested at the Welcome Hostel in Belfast   Stephen Burns failed to return to custody and was at large for five days before being arrested at the Welcome Hostel in Belfast  

A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been refused bail after a court heard he failed to return to custody after visiting his ex-girlfriend's graveside.

Stephen Burns, who is currently facing charges linked to a burglary at student accommmodation in Belfast, was granted compassionate bail last July to allow him to visit the graveside of his ex-partner and the mother of his child.

However, Burns failed to return to custody and was at large for five days before being arrested at the Welcome Hostel in Belfast.

A new bail application was made on behalf of Burns, of no fixed abode, at Belfast Crown Court. Burns solicitor Brian Archer said his client would adhere to any conditions imposed, if bail was granted.

Mr Archer also told Judge Gordon Kerr QC on Thursday that Burns has now spent five months on remand in relation to the alleged burglary, that Burns was denying the charges against him and that due to the current withdrawal of services, it was impossible to determine when a trial date was going to be fixed.

Burns is one of three man accused of targetting a house in the Mount Charles area of Belfast in the early hours of March 24 last year.

Prosecuting barrister David McClean said it was the Crown's case that fragments of glass located on Burns clothing matched the glass from the window smashed at the property that was broken into.

Mr McClean told Judge Kerr that bail was opposed for several reasons - including Burns failure to return to custody after visiting his ex-partner's graveside when he was granted a day's compassionate bail.

Solicitor Brian Archer spoke of the length of time Burns has spent on remand.

However, Judge Kerr dismissed the application.