A man allegedly stole a £15,000 diamond ring from one of Belfast’s top jewellers and threatened to bite a staff member who blocked his escape, a court has heard.
Robert Davey (28) is accused of seizing the gem-encrusted band after getting through airlocked doors at Gardiner Brothers’ city centre store.
Davey, of Gardenmore Walk in Belfast, was refused bail and remanded in custody on charges of theft and common assault.
The city’s magistrates court heard that the diamond ring valued at £15,000 was taken from the jewellers on Waring Street shortly before 3pm on January 23.
It was claimed that Davey had followed another customer into the store but then became temporarily trapped between two airlocked doors.
An employee then opened the internal door and asked if he could help him.
“The defendant pushed past him to a worktop where he had been arranging rings for a previous customer, a Crown lawyer said.
“He immediately noticed that a ring was missing from the display and at this stage the defendant was trying to leave the store.”
At that point the shop worker prevented Davey escaping by wedging his foot against the door, it was alleged.
“The defendant stated that he would bite the staff member if he did not let him leave,” the lawyer contended.
However, the employee insisted that the ring had to be returned first.
Police were alerted and arrested Davey at the jewellers on suspicion of carrying out the theft.
Opposing his application for bail, the prosecution disclosed that he is currently managed by a special unit set up to reduce offending in Belfast.
Defence solicitor Damien Trainor argued that his client could be released from custody under a strict prohibition on entering the city centre.
Mr Trainor suggested the incident may be linked to Davey “falling off” from drug outreach services he uses.
“He does have some self-awareness and insight, he recognises that his behaviour will give the court some concern,” the solicitor added.
Denying bail, District Judge Amanda Henderson remanded Davey in custody until February 24.
She said: “The risk of re-offending is serious. Police have grave concerns and I share those concerns.”