Derry Court: Bail granted to man (49) with 476 previous convictions

A man who a court heard has 'one of the worst records the court has ever seen' with 476 previous convictions has been granted bail at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Eamonn Lynch (49) of River Court Apartments in John Street in Derry appeared charged with one count of breaching a restraining order on April 16.

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

She told the court that the alleged injured party, Lynch's former partner, said she received a phone call from the defendant in breach of the order at 3.42am on the date in question.

The officer said that the woman said he started the conversation with 'well, well, well' something he does quite often.

The woman told police she hung up after 16 seconds but recognised the voice as being that of the accused as she had been in a relationship with him for 14 years. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the officer said that Lynch was on bail for similar offences. 

She added the alleged victim was deemed a high risk victim of domestic abuse with Lynch being the perpetrator. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client denies the allegation and added that while we can all recognise voices 'we can all make mistakes.' 

He said Lynch maintained the woman had made a mistake but did accept Lynch had an 'appalling record'. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that he accepted the breach had occurred as the woman recognised a phrase used by the accused. 

He said he was not going to revoke Lynch's bail at this stage but was now on his final warning. 

Lynch will appear again on May 12.