Northern Ireland

Man accused of burglary at Royal Victoria Hospital denied bail

Stephen Brady (36) is accused of a burglary at the Royal Victoria Hospital
Stephen Brady (36) is accused of a burglary at the Royal Victoria Hospital

A man accused of a burglary at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital must remain in custody, a judge has ruled.

Stephen Brady was refused bail amid allegations he entered a physio ward with intent to steal just before Christmas.

The 36-year-old, of University Street in Belfast, is also charged with a separate raid on a city centre pub.

Police said he was later found lying drunk and close to a bottle of gin allegedly taken from The Morning Star bar on Pottingers Entry.

Brady appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court charged with two counts of burglary and a further offence of criminal damage.

He is accused of targeting the hospital on December 23.

According to the charge sheet he damaged lockers, drawers and a window.

Brady also caused water damage to the outpatient physio ward at the Royal, police claim.

The alleged raid on The Morning Star occurred back in May last year.

A defence lawyer confirmed Brady denies both burglaries and challenged evidence linking him to the pub break-in.

CCTV footage shows a man with a jumper pulled up over his face, the court heard.

But opposing bail, a police officer claimed Brady was then seen hours later.

"A bottle of gin had been taken from the bar, close to where Mr Brady was lying on the ground," she said.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told Brady claims to have purchased the alcohol from a man called 'Robbie'.

Denying bail, she remanded him in custody to appear again in four weeks' time.