A 37-year-old man allegedly broke into a South Belfast apartment to steal a pet dog, a court heard today.
Vincent Vidal is accused of taking the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy after forcing his way into the home of an ex-girlfriend at Annadale Flats last month.
The French national appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with burglary, common assault and sending a menacing message to the woman by an electronic communications network.
Vidal, of Lendrick Street in the city, denies all of the allegations against him. Defence barrister Sean O’Hare said his client had been in a relationship with the complainant. Counsel explained that Vidal is accused of sending her a number of abusive texts before arriving at the apartment on January 17.
He then allegedly broke in and stole the young puppy which had been a gift to the woman. Vidal was arrested a short distance away, with no harm caused to the dog, the court heard. It was confirmed that he is pleading not guilty to all of the charges.
Judge Liam McStay released him on continuing bail and adjourned the case for two weeks, when a trial date will be set.
