Man charged with burglary at home of woman aged in her 80’s in Ballymena

Detectives in Mid and East Antrim have arrested and charged a man following an incident in the Old Antrim Road area of Ballymena which occurred on Wednesday 30th November 2022.

The 41-year-old male was reported to have entered the home of a woman aged in her 80’s in Hollybank Park, and stole a number of bank cards, bank books, a sum of cash and jewellery.

At the time police said a male entered the property through a back door, using screwdrivers to gain access. The incident was reported shortly after 7.30am on the Wednesday morning that a house in the area had been broken into and multiple rooms had been ransacked.

Speaking after the incident District Commander Superintendent Kearney continued:

"The caller, aged 86, stated an unknown male entered the house around 4am this morning and didn't leave until shortly before 7.30am, spending a considerable amount of time in the property.

"During this time, the male had the run of the house, forcing the occupant to stay in bed, whilst a number of bank cards, bank books, a sum of cash and jewellery were taken."

Superintendent Kearney went on to describe it as a "despicable act".

The man has been charged with a number of offences including burglary, false imprisonment and criminal damage and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday 11th September.

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.