Woman with 137 previous convictions charged with disorderly behaviour and assault remanded

A woman with 137 previous convictions who allegedly was disorderly in Altnagelvin Hospital has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court today. 

Louise Craig (25) with an address at Glenmore Gardens in Ballymoney appeared charged with disorderly behaviour in the hospital and two counts of assault on police on May 17.

She was also said to have breached her bail continually since May 11 in relation to her address, tag and curfew.

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

He told the court at around 6.50pm on May 17 police were called to a disturbance at the bus station in Foyle Street in the city. 

They spoke to Craig and discovered she was in breach of her bail and wanted for arrest. 

She was also believed to be 'heavily intoxicated' and assaulted an officer.

Police were concerned about an eye injury the defendant had and took her to Altnagelvin Hospital. 

She was said to have been abusive towards police and threatened to fight officers before kicking one on the leg.

Craig appeared to calm down and restraints were removed so she could be treated.

While she was being treated she became abusive again and tried to leave with medical equipment still attached to her. 

She also was said to have started shouting at other members of the public. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the fact there had been 27 previous breaches of bail and 16 arrest warrants in the past.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said there had been a clear breach of bail as the defendant had sought to make a bail variation but had moved address before that had been granted.

He added that Craig had an address available to her.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said the defendant had breached her bail and she believed she would not abide by conditions. 

Craig was remanded in custody to appear again on June 2.