Christmas in prison for Derry man who admitted assault and criminal damage

A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court today asked a barrister was his client 'reconciled to spending Christmas in prison'.

The comments came during the case involving Ethan Dorney (20) of Swilly Gardens in Derry admitted a series of charges including assault and criminal damage that occurred on July 10.

The court heard that the defendant had entered the Brickworks licensed premises but was refused service as he was too intoxicated.

His friend then ordered two drinks and gave one to Dorney.

A member of staff approached the defendant and told him he was not being served and took the drink from him.

Dorney then followed the staff member and went behind the counter where he assaulted him.

The defendant made homophobic remarks to the member of staff.

He was eventually removed from the premises and proceeded to kick and shoulder charge the door damaging a window and a heating unit valued at £350.

He then entered the premises again and put a female member of staff in fear of being assaulted.

Police located the defendant in William Street and he was arrested.

At interview he said he did not realise that the person was a member of staff and he was only trying to get his drink back.

He denied making any homophobic remarks.

Dorney also admitted the theft and criminal damage to an electronic tag on August 4.

The court heard that police saw Dorney in Shipquay Street on November 22 and were aware he was wanted for breaching his bail.

He was arrested and found to have no tag on him and he admitted cutting it off.

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said his client was having difficulty facing up to what was coming.

He said he wanted to apologise to all those concerned in the incident.

Dorney was sentenced to two months in prison.