Northern Ireland

Robbers allegedly threatened to burn down house with teenage victims inside

Ruairi Padraig Walls (26) of Donegall Street in Belfast, appeared before the city's magistrates' court
Ruairi Padraig Walls (26) of Donegall Street in Belfast, appeared before the city's magistrates' court Ruairi Padraig Walls (26) of Donegall Street in Belfast, appeared before the city's magistrates' court

ROBBERS allegedly ransacked a south Belfast home and threatened to burn it down with the teenage victims inside, a court has heard.

Police claimed two intruders stole £1,200 worth of designer jewellery and clothes after assaulting an 18-year-old man at the house on Newforge Grange last month.

Details emerged on Tuesday as bail was refused to one accused of the raid.

Ruairi Padraig Walls (26) of Donegall Street in Belfast, appeared before the city's magistrates' court charged with robbery, burglary, threats to destroy property and threats to kill.

He faces further counts of assault, demanding cash with menaces, and using force or threats to get the alleged victim to withdraw his statement.

The court heard the break-in on August 15 had a traumatic impact on the 18-year-old man, his 16-year-old sister and girlfriend, also aged 16.

A detective claimed: "Several threats were made, that he would be shot, his house would be burnt down with his family in it."

Most of the stolen items were found after searches at a house linked to another suspect, the court heard.

It was claimed that CCTV footage shows Walls and his co-accused exiting the home targeted in the robbery.

Defence counsel Lujke Curran said Walls doesn't accept the account provided by the alleged victim.

He was denied bail and will appear again by video-link on October 25.