Derry man admits 'abusive and nasty' phone call to his ex-partner

A man who admitted making an 'abusive and nasty' phone call to his ex-partner has been released on bail with a 'strict warning'.

Philip O'Donnell (31) of Clon Elagh in Derry appeared at the local Magistrate's Court charged with breaching a non-molestation order on June 6 and pleaded guilty. 

A police officer told the court that the injured party reported she had received a call from the defendant. 

The call last five minutes and 27 seconds and during it O'Donnell was abusive towards the woman who 'repeatedly' asked him to leave her alone. 

At interview the defendant claimed the woman had phoned him but said he couldn't remember making the call.

The police officer said they had 'zero confidence' O'Donnell would abide by conditions or not re-offend.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client found it hard to deal with the end of a long term relationship. 

He said O'Donnell accepted thecall was 'nasty' and wished to apologise for it.

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The solicitor said he could be released with appropriate conditions. 

District Judge Conor Heaney granted bail on condition O'Donnell resided at an address outside the city, had no contact with the injured party and refrained from alcohol. 

He will appear again on July 3 and will be sentenced on July 27 after a pre-sentence report is prepared.