Teenager appears in court in Derry over Waterside chip shop robbery

A teenager has appeared in court accused of the robbery of a Waterside chip shop.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, is the third person to appear in court charged in connection with the robbery on September 4.
Two others, a 16-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man were refused bail and remanded in custody earlier this week.
The teen is charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of a class A drug.
Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations that £1,000 was taken during the robbery at the chip shop on Spencer Road.
It is alleged that three men went into the takeaway, with their faces partially covered with bandanas, and demanded money.
They allegedly wielded an iron bar and banged it off the counter as they demanded money.
It is alleged they made off with the till and left the scene in a silver car.
This car was later involved in a collision with another vehicle stopped at traffic lights.
The court heard this car was spun 180 degrees and one passenger was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
The car was later found on the Victoria Road, close to the Lough’s Agency premises.
One of the defendants was arrested at the scene.
The car was searched and it is alleged police found £750 of cocaine in the boot.
The 17-year-old was arrested after police viewed CCTV from the chip shop.
An investigating officer said police had identified the defendant from the footage and police believe they can also link the teen to the vehicle.
The court heard that the PSNI are also liaising with Gardai who believe the same three defendants were involved with an incident at a shop in Fahan.
The court was told this was a ‘particularly brutal’ incident and a lot of damage was caused to the shop.
During police interview, the teenager denied any involvement and claimed he was with a number of friends on the night in question.
The investigating officer opposed bail because of the ‘violent’ nature of the alleged robbery.
She said police also have concerns he will interfere with witnesses and about the teen’s cannabis consumption.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client has no previous criminal record and could be released on bail with a number of stringent conditions.
Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy refused the application.
He said this was a ‘very, very serious incident’ and he has concerns that the teen will commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.
The 17-year-old was remanded in custody to appear in court again via videolink on September 27.