Derry man jailed for 'catalogue of physical, verbal and mental abuse' to his partner

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrates Court charged with a number of serious offences, including domestic abuse, drug possession and dangerous driving.

James Doherty (26) of Deramore Drive in Derry was charged with assaulting his partner on April 6 last year following an argument where he punched her in the ribs.

The court heard that Doherty had subjected his partner to a campaign of 'verbal, physical and mental abuse, isolating her from her friends and family and, among other things, calling her 'stupid' and 'a slut'.

He was also said to have told her 'If I can't have you, no one else can'.

Doherty was also charged with, on June 6 2022, obstructing police after he was observed driving through a red light. 

Police indicated for the car to stop but Doherty continued to drive, eventually hitting a traffic island and fleeing the car.

Police found him hiding in the bushes and proceeded to search the car, finding an array of drugs.

They also found that Doherty had no licence and no insurance.

As well as this, Doherty was charged with dangerous driving on May 8 2021 after police stopped a car he was driving. 

Police caught a strong smell of drugs from the car and Doherty attempted to drive off before finally being arrested.

District Judge Ted Magill said that Doherty had 25 previous convictions and a number of suspended sentences, but stated that the current offences were not in breach.

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He called the description of Doherty's driving 'terrifying'. He also spoke of the 'catalogue of physical, verbal and mental abuse' he had carried out against his partner, describing it as 'appalling'.

He was sentenced to twelve months in custody and disqualified from driving for five years.