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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Derry Court
A man who breached a non molestation order in relation to his former partner made a phone call that a judge said was 'utterly appalling and totally inexcusable'.
Philip O'Donnell (32) of Clon Elagh in Derry appeared at the local Magistrate's Court charged with two breaches of non molestation orders.
The court heard that on April 19 the injured party reported she had received texts from her ex partner accusing her of keeping his children from him.
When arrested O'Donnell made full admissions and said there had been an arrangement for him to see the children.
The court also heard that on June 6 the woman said she had been phoned by O'Donnell who was verbally abusive to her.
When O'Donnell was arrested he said that it was his number the call came from and added he was sorry for his actions.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that there was 'a very positive report' on the defendant and that he had been drinking and drug free since June.
District Judge Ted Magill said the defendant had a range of problems some of them not if his own making.
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He said the phone call was the sort of behaviour that could lead straight to prison.
O'Donnell was placed on probation for 18 months.
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