Man with 67 previous convictions remanded in custody at Derry Court for a series of domestic assaults

A man who did not appear in court because he was said to be naked in his cell in the PSNI Station has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court for a series of domestic assaults.

Fergal Collins (41) of Magowan Park in Derry was charged with two assaults and one count of criminal damage and the offences were said to have been aggravated by domestic abuse on December 3.

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

The court was told that police were called to an ongoing domestic incident in Magowan Park where a neighbour reported an incident in the street and fears that there was a knife involved.

Police located Collins' former partner who was described as 'visibly upset, tearful and with marks on her face.'

She told police she had returned to her address at 2 pm and the defendant was there.

She said he became angry and grabbed her by the throat, pushed her down and banged her head of the ground several times.

He was then said to have started damaging household items and threw paint in the house.

He also was said to have damaged the central heating control switch. 

The woman went to a neighbour's home and stayed there until Collins had left.

She went back to the house to clean up and went to sleep before she said she woke up with Collins standing over her.

The woman claimed that Collins attacked her again banging her head as well as clawing at her eyes. 

When police went to speak to Collins the court was told he displayed 'extremely volatile and violent behaviour' and barricaded himself in the house.

A specialist unit had to be deployed to get him out of the house.

He was deemed unfit to be interviewed. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending as he has 67 previous convictions.

The police officer said that the alleged victim was 'terrified' of the accused and police believed he would return to the area.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was naked in his cell and would not be appearing. 

He said he denied the charges and while he had a bad record and faced serious allegations he asked for bail to an address approved by the PSNI.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that no address in the city would be acceptable and refused bail. 

Collins was remanded in custody to appear again on December 29.