Derry teenager granted bail despite 20 breaches in seven months

A fifteen-year-old girl described by police as 'one of the worst offenders' in the north has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court following a breach of her bail conditions.

The girl who cannot be identified due to her age was taken into custody after police were called by staff in the children's home she resides when she didn't return for her curfew.

Police were called again in the early hours of the next morning when staff said she had returned but they believed she had been under the influence of alcohol.

Upon entering her room, police and staff noticed a strong smell of intoxicating liquor but she refused to submit to a breath test.

Upon being searched in the police station, a vape was found on her person also a breach of her bail. 

She also claimed to have taken paracetamol and was taken to hospital, where she refused a blood test and eventually had to be handcuffed after becoming violent.

She then claimed to have swallowed razorblades, but later admitted that this and her claim about paracetamol were false.

In total, she spent fourteen and a half hours in hospital.

Police objected to bail as she has 26 previous convictions and twenty breaches of bail in seven months.

This is her sixth appearance in court in the last seven weeks and police believe that she has no regard for any bail conditions and that she cannot be kept safe if released.

The officer said the girl was being dealt with by the priority offender unit and was probably the worst offender in the Northattge minute.

Defence Barrister Grainne McAnaney said that the girl has 'a number of difficulties' and would be in need of additional support should she be released.

She also said that there has been no new offending with the last few breaches as they have all been related to alcohol and vapes.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne said that the girl 'seems determined to learn the hard way', and that any signs of improvement to date were 'not very hopeful'.

READ NEXT: Noah Donohoe inquest witnesses tell of screams on night of his disappearance

He added, however, that 'where there's life there's hope' and granted bail.

She will appear again on February 24.