John Coyle, 55, from Lisnavar Court in Derry, faces charges of stealing a wallet containing £1000 and committing fraud by false representation with a stolen bank card. The incidents occurred between February 23 and 25, 2026. District Judge Oonagh Mullan ordered Coyle held in custody pending his next court date on March 26 at Derry Magistrates Court.

Police responded to reports from a 75-year-old resident at an assisted living complex who noticed his wallet gone. Review of CCTV footage showed Coyle with two women in the laundry area searching the resident's clothing. One woman retrieved the wallet and gave it to Coyle, who removed cash, shared portions with the women, and left with the rest.

The resident's family spotted unauthorised bank transactions worth £932.17 alongside online spending tied to the card. A search of Coyle's home turned up the wallet and card on a sofa.

Coyle confessed to police, expressed regret, and said he intended to reimburse the money. Prosecutors opposed release due to his 78 prior convictions and current probation from a January theft case.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott pointed to the confession and pending interviews with the two women as factors for bail. The judge found Coyle unfit for release.