A WOMAN who is accused of stealing from a string of shops in Enniskillen, in what was described by police as a premeditated spree, has been denied bail.
Julia Stokes (26) is currently a sentenced prisoner at Hydebank Prison, having previously been convicted of separate theft charges. Stokes appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday for a bail hearing on pending charges of theft and handling stolen goods. If bail had been granted she would have been able to avail of day release from prison.
The court heard that on July 31st, 2018 police received a report of theft from New Look in Erneside Shopping Centre. Officers called to the store and spoke with the manager who said a woman was filmed on CCTV stealing jeans worth £22.99.
Afterwards, Stokes was seen sitting outside Monsoon and when she saw security staff and the manager approaching she allegedly ran off. She was then stopped outside Lifestyle Sports carrying a number of bags, with other items from other shops. This included perfume worth £163 from Cara Pharmacy, and clothing worth £261.99 from Sports Direct, which she is accused of stealing, as well as soft drinks that were stolen from Poundland.
Objecting to bail, a police officer told the court the alleged thefts “appeared well planned out” and said the items stolen had been chosen for their re-sale potential. They said the alleged thefts were “part of a string of offending” by Stokes, who has over 140 previous convictions.
The officer said police were opposed to bail on the grounds Stokes was likely to reoffend, stating she had committed offences five times previously while on bail.
“Police believe she will quickly fall back into her old ways,” said the officer, who added Stokes also posed a flight risk, and been the subject of a bench warrant ten times in the past.
District Judge Steven Keown said there was a “clear and obvious” risk Stokes could reoffend if released and said granting bail would not reassure “the long suffering shop owners of this town.” He denied bail and adjourned the case until September 2nd.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere