Downpatrick Man Faces String of Charges over Knockevin School Break-In

A Downpatrick man who has been accused of a number of charges in relation to the break-in at Knockevin Special School last weekend has made his appearance in court in Newtownards today (Wednesday 26 September).

The school saw six buses damaged, windows broken, fire extinguishers stolen and the steering lock also broken on some buses. The vandalism also continued and a total of £5000 was belived to have been stolen.

The accused, James Rodgers (23), of Drumaness Walk,  Downpatrick, has been charged with damaging six school buses, trespassing, removing goods including the attempt to steal two buses, and other charges of theft and vandalism.

Rodgers was remanded in custody and will appear through video link to Downpatrick Court on 27 September.

There has been widespread anger at the attack on the special school across the community and politicians have united in their condemnation of the break-in and damage caused.