A man has appeared in court accused of burgling a mobile phone shop and stealing more than £2,700 worth of goods. David Toward is suspected of breaking into Ri Call, in Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, but triggering an intruder alarm that alerted the owner.
Court Proceedings
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that the owner then watched footage as Toward and another male allegedly helped themselves to items, caused damage, and made off. Toward, of Fossdyke, in Leam Lane, Gateshead, appeared in the dock this week to plead not guilty to one count of burglary of a non-dwelling.
Jade Houston, prosecuting, said the offence was suspected to have happened on November 2, 2024. Miss Houston continued: "This is a case The Crown would say is suitable to be dealt with in the magistrates' court. On November 2, 2024, the owner of Ri Call received a notification about someone being inside the property. He viewed CCTV and saw two males inside the address. The males had entered through a hole in the roof, which was not previously there. There were multiple items stolen with damage also caused to windows."
The court heard that Toward denied he was one of the men in the CCTV footage. Magistrates accepted jurisdiction but, when asked where he wanted his trial to be heard, Toward responded: "I'm not bothered." The case was listed for trial back at South Shields Magistrates' Court on September 7. In the meantime, Toward was released on unconditional bail.
