Thousands of pounds worth of laptop computers, iPads, cash and quantities of alcohol were taken from the premises targeted, according to the prosecution
Belfast Magistrates’ Court(Image: Justin Kernoghan)
An alleged serial burglar is to stand trial over alleged raids on hotels, a nursing home and a school in Belfast, a judge ordered today.
Joseph Emmanuel McDonnell, 37, is also accused of breaking into a bowling alley and fast food restaurant at the city’s Odyssey entertainment complex.
Thousands of pounds worth of laptop computers, iPads, cash and quantities of alcohol were taken from the premises targeted, according to the prosecution.
McDonnell, with an address at Cliftonpark Avenue in the city, appeared remotely at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary enquiry into the case against him.
He is charged with eight burglaries and four counts of criminal damage in connection with an alleged crime spree between April and December 2024.
McDonnell is accused of break-ins at the Bullitt Hotel and Ramada Hotel in the city centre, taking quantities of medication and alcohol.
Further burglaries were said to have been carried out at the Hollywood Bowl and Five Guys restaurant on Queen’s Quay, as well as a B&M Bargains store and a tanning salon on the Antrim Road.
McDonnell also allegedly entered Belfast Royal Academy and a nursing home in the north of the city on separate dates to steal computer devices and cash.
He has been charged with three assaults on police, resisting arrest, and attempted criminal damage to a PSNI cell van as well.
During the hearing the defendant confirmed he understood the allegations but declined to give evidence or call any witnesses at this stage.
District Judge George Conner backed prosecution submissions that he has a prima facie case to answer on the 17 charges.
Granting the Crown’s application, Mr Conner told the accused: “You will be returned for trial at the Crown Court on a date to be fixed.”
McDonnell, who remains in custody, is expected to appear again at his arraignment hearing.
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