Couple accused of burgling golf clubs

A couple have been accused of robbing two golf clubs in Northern Ireland in ‘opportunistic’ attacks.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, Simon McDonagh, 34, who was described in court as someone with ‘a prolific criminal record’ and his partner Louise 22, who was labelled a ‘vulnerable adult’, have appeared in court at Dungannon Magistrates Court. Mr McDonagh is accused of 10 charges and Ms McDonagh is accused of seven, both including burglary, attempted burglary and theft.

During an alleged spree the couple are said to have targeted Castle Hume Golf Club and Lough Erne Golf Resort, as well as at least two hotels in the nearby area.

There are also charges relating to the theft of alloy wheels from a parked car, and Mr McDonagh is facing several motoring allegations, states the paper.

A police officer outlined the details of what she referred to as “a plethora of offences” that started on May 31. By June 11 it is alleged that staff at Lough Erne Golf Resort Hotel encountered Mr McDonagh in a private area. He enquired about a room and left after being told none were available.

Later that day both McDonaghs were seen entering the female changing rooms at Castle Hume Golf Club, stated the police officer. After they left, staff discovered a box broken open and a quantity of cash had been taken. A member’s handbag was also lying open and some £200 cash was missing.

The following day staff at Lough Erne Golf Resort were conducting a security check following alerts of earlier burglaries in the area.

They encountered the couple rifling through desks in an office. On being challenged the pair claimed they were looking for a room, and left.

Police conducted extensive enquiries and collected CCTV from the areas involved. The male and female were identified as the McDonaghs.

Bail was refused after the police officer said Mr McDonagh had a prolific criminal record and had been residing in the Republic of Ireland until a few weeks ago.

A defence solicitor said both clients should have been freed on bail and were willing to abide by any conditions imposed. He added that Ms McDonagh “may be a vulnerable adult and may have been taken advantage of”.