French bulldog and trainers taken in Darlington burglary

Garry McKenzie denied a charge of burglary put to him at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court today (Wednesday November 22).

The charge states that the 29-year-old defendant, of Beaumont Hill, Darlington, and an accomplice burgled the premises in Forster Street, in the town on Saturday November 18, last year.

A French bulldog and a pair of Nike Air Max trainers are said to have been taken in the burglary.

Co-accused Jamie Straugheir, 21, from Braintree, in Essex, who also faces the same charge, failed to appear at court for the plea hearing.

As his counsel, Omar Sabbagh, had no explanation for his client’s absence, Judge Jo Kidd issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Straugheir, not backed by bail, and returnable to Durham Crown Court once he is apprehended.

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A timetable was set for a trial, of up to three days, to take place at the court, starting on May 13, next year.

McKenzie was bailed to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on March 1.

His bail terms prohibit him from going to Forster Street, and he must abide by a 7pm to 7am home curfew in the intervening period.