69-year-old woman punched on the back of the head in random attack in Derry - Court told

A 69-year-old woman was punched on the back of the head in a random attack in Derry City Centre at 10.30am the local Magistrate's Court was told today.

Megan Coyle (25) of Brookmount Lodge in Omagh appeared charged with assaulting the woman on February 25 as well as two counts of assaulting police on the same date. 

Coyle was further charged with disorderly behaviour in Foyle Street again on February 25.

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

He told the court were alerted by a member of the public that a female was 'randomly attacking' people as they went past her in Foyle Street. 

Police weretold that one of the alleged victims was a 69-year-old woman who was punched on the back of the head leaving a lump.

The witness told police he saw a young female on bench getting up and punching the woman.

He intervened and the female tried to punch him.

Police arrived and Coyle started 'roaring and shouting' at them and alleged a female officer had 'raped her'.

She continued to be abusive calling one officer 'a lesbian b-----d'.

When placed in a police vehicle Coyle was said to have banged her head off the door before kicking out at the driver as the vehicle was moving.

Bail was objected to due to the risk of reoffending and breaching bail. 

The officer said Coyle had 31 previous convictions and 12 breaches of bail.

He added that when arrested Coyle was clearly 'under the influence of something.'

A defence barrister said Coyle clearly has problems with alcohol. 

He said she had no connection with the city and 'all she knows she got on a bus and arrived in Derry.'

The barrister said Coyle apologised for her actions. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said he would give Coyle one chance and grant her bail on condition she does not come within 10 miles of Derry. 

She will also be tagged and observe a curfew.

Coyle will appear again on March 27.