Mechanic faces theft charges

A Dungannon motor mechanic facing 17 charges of handling stolen car bodies and parts valued at £100,000 had a bail application adjourned at Cookstown Magistrates' court yesterday. Mr Thomas Martin Donnelly (39), of Seyloran Lane, Moy, Co Tyrone, has been in custody since his arrest five weeks ago. The alleged offences, which are believed to relate to a cross-Border car theft ring, took place between November 25th, 1996 and September 10th, 1997. The bail application was adjourned to Cookstown Magistrates' Court tomorrow to hear the views of the investigating police officer. Defence solicitor Mr Patsy Hughes said Mr Donnelly was denying all the charges.