Man alleged with threatening to kill his father with a handgun refused bail at Derry Court

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man was alleged to have threatened his father with a handgun.

Adam Jordan (37) of Alexander Park in Upperlands appeared charged with assaulting his father, making a threat to kill him and possessing a handgun in circumstances that would cause others to fear violence would be used on December 21.

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

The court heard that police were called to a domestic concerning the defendant and his father.

The police were told that the alleged injured party had been at his mother's house and met the defendant there.

The defendant was said to have approached his father with his fists clenched but didn't strike him.

He was then said to have produced a hand gun and threatened to shoot his father.

He was said to have told police he did not threaten his father and added if he wanted to he 'could get the UVF to shoot him'.

He later said that those words were said in anger.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of interference with witnesses.

No weapon was found despite police searches.

A defence solicitor said his client had talked about the UVF in anger and added that Jordan had no paramilitary connections.

He said his client was 'adamant' he did not have any weapon.

Deputy District Judge Stephen Keown said these were serious offences involving 'the use of a firearm and violence'.

He said there was a risk of re-offending and refused bail.

Jordan was remanded in custody to appear again on January 18.