Petrol bomb attack on Derry police 'bizarre': court told

The case of a 27-year-old Derry man accused of throwing petrol bombs endangering police lives has been described as “bizarre and strange in the extreme.”

Jason Doherty, of Elmwood House, Northland Road, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court this morning charged with making and throwing petrol bombs, arson endangering life, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on Monday last. . The court heard Doherty was seen walking with a bag down Lawrence Hill and entering a property for a number of seconds before walking onto Strand Road.

The court was told he took three petrol bombs from the bag and threw them at a police Land Rover emerging from Strand Road Police Station (pictured).

One ignited across the windscreen of the vehicle.

The court heard petrol bomb making materials were seized at Doherty's home.

Paddy MacDermott, defence solicitor, told the court Doherty bore no ill will to police, had no political motivations and was not involved with any groups.

He also said Doherty cannot recall anything about making or throwing the bombs and described the incident as “bizarre and strange in the extreme.”

District Judge Barney McElholm said it was “very disturbing” Doherty could not recall if he made the bombs or if someone had put them in his hands and he was in an “automaton type state.”

Bail was refused on the grounds of fear of further offences and Doherty will appear back before the court again later this month.