Man remanded over cross-Border hijackings

A man (23) was remanded in custody today when he appeared in court on charges related to a cross-Border crime spree on his birthday…

A man (23) was remanded in custody today when he appeared in court on charges related to a cross-Border crime spree on his birthday last month.

John Paul Collins, whose address was given as Salisbury Court in Slough, faced 16 charges when he appeared at Armagh Magistrates' Court.

All the charges relate to an alleged day-long catalogue of crime on September 14th that started in Co Down, spread to south Armagh and finished off at Dundalk, Co Louth.

He faced three charges of hijacking cars from their owners and two of attempting to hijack cars - one in the Republic.

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He was also charged with stealing two cars, one in Co Down and the other in the Republic. He was further charged with the assault and false imprisonment of Michael Walsh as well as threatening to kill Mr Walsh and common assault on Mr Walsh.

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Theresa O'Hagan.

Mr Collins was also accused of stealing alcohol valued at £55.60 from an off-licence as well as driving without a licence or insurance.

He appeared in court in Co Armagh after being arrested in England at the weekend and flown back to the North.

The court was told that when charged Mr Collins made no reply. He was remanded in custody to appear at Newry Magistrates' Court in Co Down via video-link on November 8th.

Another man (31) has already appeared in court on nine charges related to the same day.