Man charged with assaulting his mother released on bail at Derry Court

A man charged with assaulting his mother has been released on bail on condition he attends his GP immediately although District Judge Barney McElholm said that might be difficult as 'the NHS has been run into the ground for about 12 years'.

Calum King (19) of Cashelhill Park in Derry appeared charged with assaulting his mother on December 3 and of causing criminal damage to household items on the same date.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges.

He told the court that police were called by the mother of the defendant who said he was 'wrecking the house'.

When police arrived everything was calm in the house but the defendant's mother said there had been an argument and he had kicked a hole in a door and smashed a shelf.

She said the argument had continued and she alleged he had pushed her.

At interview King claimed the woman had been 'screaming' at him and he accepted he had kicked the door.

He claimed his mother was trying to push him out of the house and he pushed back to avoid getting locked out.

Police had concerns about King returning to the address but his mother wanted him to return.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that King had a support worker and could be released on bail on condition he attended his GP.

Judge McElholm said King could not continue to behave like this.

He said it was 'with a degree of reluctance' he was releasing him and told King he was getting a chance but warned 'if he throws this back in my face I will remand him in custody'.

King was granted bail on condition he attends his GP and the judge said he was aware how difficult that could be.
King will appear again on January 5.