Derry Court: Judge warns man (43) of 'a very significant prison sentence' and orders pre-sentence report

When a judge heard the beginning of the details of the case against a Derry man he stopped the case and said that as there was going to be 'a very significant prison sentence' he would not proceed without a pre-sentence report.

Brendan Harkin (43) of Cornshell Fields in Derry appeared by videolink at the local Magistrate's Court today.

He faces a series of charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a female on January 10 this year.

He is also charged with three counts of assaulting police, criminal damage to items belonging to the woman, assault and resisting police on the same date.

It was indicated that the defendant would waive his right to a pre-sentence report.

The court heard that police were called to an ongoing domestic disturbances. 

The injured party said that she had been assaulted by the defendant who had torn her clothes. 

She added that five children had been present when this occurred and they were 'highly distressed'.

The woman said Harkin had entered the property and an argument had started. 

At this point Deputy District Judge Liam McStay intervened and said Harkin was looking at a significant prison sentence and he did not want to proceed without a pre-sentence report. 

Harkin was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 30.