James Thomas Ward, 45, from St Patrick's Way in Ballymena, appeared via video link from prison at Ballymena Magistrates' Court. He faces charges including burglary at the Boots pharmacy in Ballymena Health Centre and theft of prescription drugs on February 12 this year. Additional charges include burglary with intent to steal at the health centre.

Ward is accused of possessing a knife without good reason or lawful authority in a public place on January 12 this year at St Patrick's Way. He also faces a charge of possessing a metal pole for use in theft. Between September 13 and 22 last year, he allegedly committed burglary and stole goods from a property at St Patrick's Way.

On December 19 last year, Ward is charged with stealing a bicycle valued at £360. On January 29 this year, he allegedly burgled Jack & Jones store for £200 cash and The Works store for £50 cash at Fairhill shopping centre in Ballymena. He is further accused of being disorderly at Antrim Area Hospital on February 12 this year.

Charges continue with burglary of a dwelling in Ballymena on March 3 this year. Ward allegedly stole goods worth £15 from Primark in Ballymena and attempted to steal goods worth £420 from the same store. The court remanded him in custody and adjourned the case to April 9.