Derry Court: Man (37) tried to 'manipulate and coerce' ex-wife to withdraw her statement

A man accused of trying to get his ex wife to withdraw a statement against him by sending her a series of messages has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Joseph McBride (37) of Crawford Square in Derry appeared charged with harassment of the woman between April 14 and May 14.

He was also charged with attempting to obstruct the course of justice on the same dates. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He said that the alleged victim contacted police to say she had been receiving messages from the defendant some of which were abusive. 

It was also claimed that the defendant offered the woman money to withdraw her statement against him on a previous matter. 

He accused her of 'putting me in jail' and said that he had unlimited legal aid and she hadn't and this would 'bleed you dry.'

The court was told that the number of messages varied over the period with as many as 7 on April 16.

The court heard that McBride was aware that he was not supposed to be in contact with the woman. 

Bail was opposed due to the fact that the defendant would not abide by conditions imposed by the court.

Defence counsel Grainne McAnaney said that she had 'a difficult application' to make.

She said it was McBride's own behaviour that had brought him to where he is now.

The barrister said that her client had 'learned the consequences of his actions'.

Deputy District Judge Francis Rafferty said that the allegations against McBride were of him trying to 'manipulate and coerce' the woman to withdraw her statement.

He said there was 'nothing to suggest' he would not do the same thing again.

He said McBride was not suitable for bail and remanded him in custody to appear again on June 29.