Man released on police bail 'lasted less than eight days' before being arrested again

A man who had been released on police bail 'lasted less than eight days' before coming to police attention again Derry Magistrates' Court heard today. 

Che O'Connor (25) of no fixed abode appeared charged with breaching his police bail on August 24.

He was originally charged with assaulting a man, disorderly behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon namely a broken bottle on August 16.

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

The court heard that on August 16 police were called to a report of two men fighting at the old Bank of Ireland building on Strand Road. 

When they arrived there was no fighting but a member of the public pointed O'Connor out.

Police spoke to him and he was 'extremely intoxicated' and claimed he had been assaulted. 

He was asked did he wished to make a statement and became 'hostile' towards police. 

The incident was captured on CCTV and the court heard that the defendant was seen throwing several punches.

He was also seen waving a broken bottle and trying to stab at another man.

While police were present O'Connor was seen to be aggressive towards other members of the public and was eventually arrested. 

He denied the stabbing attempt but said he couldn't remember any of the incident. 

The police officer said police 'took a chance' by releasing O'Connor and he was found at the weekend intoxicated and with white powder around his nose just eight days later.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said there had been no further offences and said the defendant could be released on 'more robust bail conditions'.

District Judge Conor Heaney said that these were 'very serious allegations' but added he felt the risks could be managed by conditions.

O'Connor was released on bail to an address approved by police and will appear again on September 18.