Repeat offender accused of interfering with vehicles

A REPEAT offender with 128 previous convictions has been remanded in custody following arrest for the latest allegations.

Jordan Hackett (29) of Hospital Road, Omagh is charged with going equipped for theft by having latex gloves, possessing non-prescribed drugs namely Pregabalin and resisting arrest.

He is further accused of interfering with three vehicles in two different areas of Omagh.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on January 11.

A police officer aware of the facts of the case told Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.

He explained shortly before 7am on January 11, police received a report from a woman who had been alerted by her car alarm and on looking out saw a male inside it who then got out.

Within minutes officers located Hackett. who matched the description given by the woman, and was found in the passenger seat of another vehicle.

He was observed to be wearing latex gloves and a search recovered numerous items belonging to the owners of both cars as well as a Driving Licence in the name of a different woman.

On calling with her, she discovered her car had also been entered.

Hackett refused to get into the PSNI vehicle and when he eventually did, kicked out and tried to escape.

A cell van was deployed but Hackett was still refusing to move and had to be carried.

The officer said, “Police are sternly opposed to bail as there is a very real risk of committing further offences and interference with witnesses. The defendant has 128 previous convictions, 13 of which are for burglary, 12 for theft, nine for drugs and 41 for driving offences. He also has numerous breaches of bail.”

It was further disclosed Hackett was spoken to by police on December 31 following a similar report of interference with vehicles in the Hospital Road area of Omagh.

He had to be released on bail due to being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. so, “Was on bail awaiting interview when he continued to do the same again, and there are no suitable conditions to prevent this behaviour,” said the officer.

A defence solicitor conceded the application for bail was difficult and while accepting Hackett’s current address is too close to the scene, an alternative with a relative in Lurgan was available.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked, “The criminal record contains a string of relevant offences which are numerous in nature. It almost tallies exactly with what’s in front of the court today. There is also a significant history of breaching bail and that lessens any confidence the court can have.”

Refusing bail Judge Ranaghan told Hackett, “The risks you represent are too great and I have concerns you would not comply with any conditions given your history.”

The case will appear by video-link at Omagh Magistrates Court on January 30.