Gun-wielding intruders stole £1,000 in cash after attacking a man and woman at a house in north Belfast, a court has heard.
Police said one of the victims was struck on the head with a pistol amid demands for money and drugs.
Details emerged as a 51-year-old man accused of taking part in the break-in at Ilchester Street on December 28 was remanded into custody.
James Bonner, of Ballybog Road in Dunmurry, Co Antrim, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm and two counts of common assault.
An investigating detective said the two alleged victims were in the living room of the woman’s home when two masked men entered through an unlocked front door at around 7.30pm.
One of the raiders carried a hammer and the other brandished a handgun.
“The firearm was pointed at the victims while they made demands for money and cocaine,” the detective claimed.
At one point the man was struck to the head with the gun while the woman was grabbed by the wrist.
“The two males searched the property and stole a bag containing £1,000 in cash,” the detective added.
Both intruders left the house and got into a Volkswagen Passat which police said had been identified in the neighbourhood.
Footage examined as part of the investigation showed three people emerge from the vehicle and retrieve an item from the boot before walking towards the scene of the raid.
That car is registered to a member of Bonner’s family and was subsequently located close to his home, the court heard.
District Judge Alan White was told that the firearm used in the break-in has not been located.
A defence solicitor stressed that Bonner denies any involvement and is willing to take part in an identification procedure.
Eoghan McKenna claimed it was a weak case based only on the car registration.
“There is no admission evidence, no forensic evidence at present and no identification evidence at present,” the lawyer submitted.
“He doesn’t know the witnesses and has no reason to be in that particular area.”
Bail was refused.
“The record itself gives rise to a serious risk of the commission of further offences,” Mr White held.
Bonner was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on January 28.