District Judge cites 'extremely extensive record' in Derry bail refusal

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court following a breach of bail that occurred two days after he was released from custody.

Jordan Leighton (25) of no fixed abode was on bail for three cases that included burglary, attempted burglary criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon, namely an axe, with bail having been granted on December 22 last year.

Two conditions of his release included abiding by a curfew and residing at an address approved by police.

On December 26, police received a report that the address had been withdrawn and that Leighton was no longer there.

Police attended the address numerous times but failed to locate him until January 4.

Bail was objected to as Leighton has a 'horrendous record' with 59 previous convictions, including fifteen for burglary and thirteen previous breaches of bail.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that had Leighton been appearing on new charges then this would be a 'hopeless' bail application, telling the court that the breaches only occurred because, 'Christmas being Christmas, he fell out with the homeowner'.

He added that there are two potential new addresses and that this was his first breach on these charges.

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District Judge Oonagh Mullan denied bail, citing his 'extremely extensive record'.

He will appear again on January 8.