Hi °C | Lo °C A 44-year-old man who appeared at Belfast Magistrate's Court charged with attempted armed robbery has been released on bail.
Thomas Maguire, with an address at Rossnareen Avenue in Belfast, was charged with the attempted armed robbery of around £400, using a handgun.
He was further charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.
The incident occurred at the Glenowen Inn, on the Glen Road, in Andersonstown last Saturday night. correct
Detective Inspector Davis told the court yesterday that in "a pure moment of madness" the accused entered the bar and produced a firearm, before putting it to the barman's back and demanding that the till be opened.
The court heard that although Maguire made "full and frank admissions" to both offences, he was unable to provide police with an explanation for the attempted robbery.
Defence solicitor Paul Sweeney said his client had purchased an imitation firearm over the internet and that he "accepts he did point the weapon at the barman and demand money".
The court heard that Maguire was set upon by a number of people in the bar and was caught a short time later.
Mr Sweeney also told Belfast Magistrate's Court that his client was seeing a psychiatrist and that he was suffering from paranoia and depression.
Resident Magistrate Ken Nixon granted bail of £750 and one surety of £750, subject to a number of conditions.
These include a curfew from 9pm-7am, refraining from alcohol and daily visits to a local police station.
Maguire is due to reappear in court on September 24.
