Accused of taking almost £150,000

An alleged thief was today (Thursday) charged with stealing almost £150,000 from his employers.
Court hammerCourt hammer
Court hammer

Appearing in the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court, Giles McAllen confirmed he was aware of the single charge against him and that he was not objecting to a Preliminary Enquiry, the legal process by which a case is referred upwards to the Crown Court.

McAllen, from Derramore Park in Magherafelt, faces a single count of theft by an employee in that he allegedly stole £149,480 from his employers at the Centra shop in Moira on dates between 1 April and 29 July last year.

Although none of the facts surrounding the offence were opened in court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted the legal papers and statements formed the basis for a case against the alleged thief.

Defence solicitor Ciaran Shiels had no contrary submissions and before returning the case to Craigavon Crown Court, Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said that having read the papers, “I’m satisfied there is a Prima Facie case.”

McAllen was told that although not obliged to, he had the right to comment on the charge or give evidence to the PE but he declined the opportunity.

Releasing McAllen on bail, Judge Ievers ordered him to appear at Craigavon Crown Court for his arraignment on 25 April.

As part of his bail conditions, McAllen is barred from the shop he allegedly stole from, contacting any of the staff there or at Centra in Musgrave and from “entering Tommy French bookmakers.”