Derry Court: Man who had 'played fast and loose with his bail conditions' remanded

A man who a judge said had 'played fast and loose with his bail conditions' has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court.

Neil McFeely (38) of Lawrence Hill in Derry appeared on foot of an arrest warrant issued after he failed to turn up for his arraignment before the Crown Court.

McFeely is charged with assaulting his former partner and falsely imprisoning her on dates between July 7 and July 10 last year.

A police officer said that McFeely was supposed to sign for bail twice a week and had not signed since December 12.

He said that the defendant had not been at his address for five days in a row.

The officer said police had 'grave concerns' that the defendant would not abide by conditions.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that McFeely had been returned for trial on December 8 and at that time there were no objections to bail.

She said that following that appearance there was no contact with the defendant although it was believed he was still in the jurisdiction.

She said the police seemed to have allowed McFeely to go 'below the radar.'

Deputy District Judge Trevor Brown said that it was not up to the police to go chasing after people like McFeely.

He said he had 'no faith' the defendant would abide by conditions.

He remanded him in custody to appear again on February 16.