Sunderland woman breached her bail conditions while waiting in police van when her windows were put out

The fracas meant Claire MacClean, 40, of South Market Street, Hetton, was unable to answer phone calls made to her property to check her whereabouts by the company which monitors court-imposed curfew orders, a court heard.

She was recorded as being absent twice on February 29 – at around 8.15pm and 9.20pm – putting her in breach of bail conditions imposed at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on December 26.

MacClean had been bailed on a burglary charge, which she denies, with conditions which include not leaving her home daily between 8pm and 7am.

The same court heard windows at her home were smashed after reports of her case were made public on social media – and she called police in response.

She was waiting for rush repairs to be done when the check calls were made and did not get back inside until 10.18pm, it was said.

MacClean denied the breach when she appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, but the allegation was found proven.

However, District Judge Kathryn Meek questioned why the case had been brought on the basis of the evidence and over two months after the offence - and requested prosecutors check the process with police.

She said: “Why it’s been brought I don’t know. It’s a nonsense.”

Prosecutor Lesley Burgess told the court: “Ms MacClean is on bail in relation to an offence of burglary.

“Her curfew begins at 8pm, she is out past her curfew. She went back into the property at 10.18pm.”

Jason Smith, defending, said: “This happens on February 29 in light of social media given out about her case.

“As a consequence, her windows were put out. She calls the police. She was put in the back of a police van while her windows were boarded up.”

MacClean was rebailed on condition she resides at her home, abides by an 8pm to 7am curfew and does not contact prosecution witnesses.

Her burglary case is due to be heard at Newcastle Crown Court on January 6 next year.

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