A man allegedly burgled his 85-year-old neighbour’s home and then phoned police to report the raid, the High Court in Belfast heard.
James Hogg (40) is accused of stealing the pensioner’s handbag containing £100 and personal belongings after visiting her home in Ballyclare, Co Antrim.
Hogg, who lives close to the woman on the town’s Doagh Road, faces charges of burglary and possession of cannabis. He was granted bail to live at an address outside Ballyclare and ordered to have no contact with the elderly woman.
Conor O’Kane, prosecuting, said: “He actually phoned police on her behalf.” Officers called to the scene found no sign of a break-in. Searches of Hogg’s home uncovered a small quantity of drugs and then the missing handbag.