A 55-YEAR-OLD man accused of breaking into a house in Enniskillen was wearing socks on both hands and carrying a stolen jewellery box when he was apprehended by police, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Michael Ward, of Coolcullen Meadow, Enniskillen, is charged with entering a private property on Sligo Road as a trespasser and stealing jewellery on May 17, 2017.

He is further charged with going equipped for burglary with a pair of socks.

Ward appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court, via videolink from Maghaberry prison, for a bail application in his case, which was strongly opposed by the PSNI.

Outlining the circumstances of his arrest, a police officer told the court that, at around 10pm on May 17, the PSNI were called to the address on Sligo Road after neighbours reported hearing an alarm sounding.

Witnesses then saw a male running from the property, the court heard.

Police arrived at the scene and saw that the back door had been damaged using a large brick and the property had been ransacked.

The defendant was subsequently apprehended wearing socks on both hands.

A jewellery box was also recovered from him.

He was arrested and conveyed to Enniskillen custody suite, the court heard.

Statements were recorded from the witnesses and the homeowner, who was not present at the time of the incident, identified the jewellery box.

During interview, the defendant told police he was sorry for what he had done.

He alleged that he had been under the influence of medication, mixed with alcohol.

The police officer told the court that enquiries were ongoing and the PSNI believe that other people may have been involved.

The officer added that a number of items were still missing, including jewellery of “significant expense”.

Objecting to bail, the officer told the court that the defendant’s present address at Coolcullen Meadow was in “very close proximity” to the property on the Sligo Road.

An alternative bail address proffered in Belfast, belonging to the defendant’s nephew, had yet to be checked by the police, the court heard.

Police were also concerned that, if released, the defendant would attempt to interfere with their investigation, the officer added.

Defending counsel, Brendan Kearney, told the court that, subject to the address being agreed, the PSNI’s sole objection to bail being granted was the risk that his client would interfere with the investigation.

Mr. Kearney stressed that, during interview, the defendant had made a “clear admission” that he was the only person involved.

Urging the judge to grant bail, the barrister said that Ward had a “very limited” previous record.

Mr. Kearney added that the defendant suffered from PTSD, depression and stress, and had not received any medication since he had been remanded in custody following his arrest.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that the defendant had made admissions to a serious charge, but noted there was jewellery of “significant value” still outstanding.

The district judge refused bail, due to concerns over the address and the risk of interference with the ongoing investigation.

Mr. Broderick concluded by remanding the defendant in custody to appear before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday, June 5.