Alex Anthony Carlin (42) of Margaretta Crescent, Belfast and Carlo Holmes (62) of no fixed abode, are jointly charged with causing criminal damage and theft, whilst Carlin is additionally charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court today she could connect both accused to their respective charges. 

She explained a witness reported seeing two men smash the window of a Ford Focus parked at Main Street, Lisnaskea just after 12 noon yesterday (Tuesday).

The car owners, who are elderly brothers, returned to find the window smashed all their personal property was gone. The witness told police the alleged offenders made off in a maroon coloured Audi and an alert was immediately circulated.

This vehicle was detected travelling along the M1 motorway on the outskirts of Belfast. Police followed and activated their sirens and blue lights, but the Audi failed to stop.

It eventually turn down the Stockman’s Lane off-slip, and stopped. Holmes made off but was apprehended and detained. Carlin was found in the driver seat and both were arrested.

The car was searched and a bag was found in the footwell containing £25,100 in cash, as well as bank books and cheque books.

These belonged to the two elderly victims whose car was broken into in Lisnaskea.

During a search whilst in custody, Holmes was found to have £1,000 cash concealed in his underwear.

He denied any role in the incident and claimed the cash found in his clothing was his own.

Carlin admitted owning the car but could not recall where he had been earlier in the day. He denied involvement in the criminal damage and theft. As regards the motoring charges, he contended he was unaware police were pursuing him.

There was no application for bail in respect of Holmes, but a defence solicitor for Carlin said he would be seeking release.

The detective objected on the grounds of potential re-offending stating: “There are 242 convictions on record, many of which are for dishonesty offences. He was released from prison on 15 September and then arrested for a theft offence on 9 November for which he has been charged and is currently on bail.”

Carlin’s solicitor maintained his client could reside at his address in Belfast which is some distance from the scene of the alleged offences and suggested there could be a prohibition on the use of any private motor vehicle.”

But District Judge John Meehan threw out the application: “On the evidence before me there is a strong prosecution case.”

Both men were remanded in custody to appear by video-link at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on 18 December.