Ring was sold

A 'prolific offender' who stole a 37-year-old engagement ring has been refused bail at a hearing in Londonderry Magistrate's Court.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2010, 09:56 BST
Updated 18th Jan 2010, 12:56 BST

William Courtney, 24, of Moore Street is charged with burglary relating to a Waterside home on October 25, last.

A District Judge heard that the Caw Hill Park house was broken into while the occupants were in the house and among the items taken was a 37-year-old engagement ring.

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An investigating officer revealed that the ring was sold to a gold shop, has probably been smelted down and is "lost and gone for good."

Opposing a bail application, the officer said Moore was a 'prolific offender' who has 16 previous convictions for burglary.

Refusing the application, District Judge Barney McElholm said: "For this type of offence there should be no restitution or restorative justice. The sentence should be purely punitive and it should be lengthy."

The Judge said that Moore was a "recidivist offender" and there was no merit in the bail application.

"He is not getting bail from this court."