A 23-year-old man appeared before Antrim Magistrates' Court in Ballymena charged with stealing a bag of groceries from a woman as she walked along Crebilly Road.

The defendant, Sam McDowell, whose address was given as Moat Road in Ballymena, faces two separate alleged thefts. On August 24, a member of the public reported that her shopping bag had been taken while she walked along Crebilly Road. Police told the court the bag was later found at McDowell's property. The grocery items were valued at £40.

A day earlier, on August 23, McDowell allegedly entered the Sports Direct store in Ballymena and removed a security tag from a hoodie before putting the garment on. He is also accused of ripping a security tag from a pair of Nike trousers, causing damage that rendered the item unsellable. Those items were valued at £45.

The court heard that McDowell allegedly told a female staff member he would go through her if she tried to stop him, putting her in fear of assault. He is charged with criminal damage to clothing in connection with the incident.

A defence barrister told the court that McDowell had issues with drugs. The police officer noted the defendant had 74 previous convictions.

Deputy District Judge Mark Hamill remanded McDowell in custody, stating there was a risk of re-offending. The case was adjourned to September 17.