Bail refused for man (35) who became abusive in Derry court

Following a man being remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court he became abusive towards the court in what the judge said was one of the most 'disrespectful' displays she had ever seen on the bench.

James Briers (25) of Spencer Road in Derry appeared by videolink charged with assaulting a female aggravated by domestic abuse on March 3.

He was also charged with assaulting a female police officer and criminal damage to a police vehicle on the same date. 

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

He told the court that police were called to Craigavon Bridge after CCTV operators reported a male and female arguing. 

The female involved told police that she had been out for drinks with her partner, Briers, and when he returned to his B&B he was refused entry as he was too late.

The woman said that Briers 'flipped out' and began pushing her.

When Briers was arrested he was alleged to have kicked a female officer in the chest and said he hoped she got raped. 

He was also alleged to have threatened to rape the officer and her mother as well as other abuse. 

Briers was said to have spat on the police van on numerous occasions. 

At interview he said the woman had tried to leave and he had stopped her and claimed his 'head was away'.

Bail was opposed due to the general risk of re-offending as Briers has 97 previous convictions and had only been released from prison in January. 

During the hearing Briers kept indicating he wanted to speak but was told his counsel would speak for him. 

His defence barrister said it was 'an unsavoury incident' but said that Briers had stayed out of trouble since his release from prison and for him this was significant.

She said that the defendant had issues that he was trying to get under control. 

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that the defendant had 'an extensive record' and was accused of offences some weeks after being released from prison.

She refused bail and remanded Briers in custody. 

At this the defendant became abusive towards the court and Judge Mullan threatened him with contempt proceedings before telling police to 'take him away.'

Briers will appear again on March 28.