Omagh man accused of library destruction denied bail

A 21-YEAR-OLD Omagh man who allegedly broke into a public library in Enniskillen and caused up to £50,000 worth of damage has been remanded in custody.

Wiktor Kalinowski (21), with an address of Gortin Road, Omagh appeared via video link at Enniskillen Magistrates court on Monday.

The defendant is charged with burglary, burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage and criminal damage after he allegedly entered the library building located on Halls Lane, Enniskillen.

The court heard that on Saturday past, police were tasked to the local library following reports that the entrance door and television in the main foyer were damaged. On arrival, police noted further damage to computer monitors, interior glass panel, a flat screen TV and electronic check-in systems while a computer was also reported missing.

According to police reports, the defendant approached the library manager to ask if the library had been broken into and queried if police had been called yet.

Later that same day, police were tasked to the Diamond area of Enniskillen following reports of a man jumping in front of cars. Police stopped and spoke with Kalinowski who told officers that he had left his belongings in a phone box at the bus station in Enniskillen where police later found a computer and a plastic plant.

The court heard that Kalinowski was taken by police to South West Acute Hospital for a mental health assessment and made a full admission to police about the burglary. Kalinowski was then taken to Omagh custody where he again made full admissions of forcing his way into the library and causing damage by using a wheel brace.

The court heard that around £50,000 worth of damage was caused to the library during the incident, and as a result the library would be closed for an estimated two-to-three weeks.

Defence solicitor, Gary Black told the court that Kalinowski had been brought to hospital prior to the incident and was discharged.

In the middle of the night, he tried to find some form of shelter. Mr Black said that the defendant had “no explanation” for what happened next and “blacked out” during the course of the incident.

Mr Black outlined that the defendant made a full admission to officers from the outset and noted that Kalinowski had dealt with issues of homelessness in the past and that mental health issues were at the “forefront” of this case.

District Judge, Steven Keown told the court that mental health was “always at the forefront” and said that a mental health assessment and treatment would be needed before exploring bail.

Judge Keown refused bail and Kalinowski was remanded in custody until the case was heard again on December 13, in Enniskillen Magistrates court.