A burglary charge against a man accused of breaking into Larne Football Club has been withdrawn by prosecutors. The case against 31-year-old Javin McClure, of Brackenberg Avenue in Ballycarry, was dropped at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
McClure appeared via video link from prison, where he remains in custody on separate charges. The alleged trespass at the club's premises occurred on 30 October last year. A prosecutor told the court the decision was made after a key forensic report was received. "We were awaiting a forensic addendum report which has now been received and the charge can be withdrawn," the prosecutor said.
McClure is still accused of involvement in a burglary in Larne this February, where a medieval suit of knight armour was stolen. He also faces a charge of possession of 'crystal meth'. The case concerning those matters was adjourned until 15 October, with McClure further remanded in custody.
The news comes as Larne's first team, unaffected by the off-field incident, continues a strong start to the season. They sit third in the Premiership with 13 points from five games, having won four of their last five matches. The squad's focus remains on maintaining their form, which includes a 2-0 win over Cliftonville last time out. The team has worked for 1,350 goal minutes this season. Their next fixture is against Linfield on 21 October.
The original report is at NorthernIrelandWorld
