Man who stole dog leads doesn't even own a dog - Derry Court told

A man on bail charged with stealing £2,000 of dog leads doesn't even own a dog Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Before the court was Harry Boyle (33) of Claremont House in Derry appeared charged with breaching his bail and new offences.

Boyle is charged with disorderly behaviour, obstructing a search for drugs, criminal damage and resisting police on April 15.

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

The court heard that Boyle was on bail for serious domestic abuse offence and also for stealing the dog leads.

The court heard that police observed Boyle without a shirt and obviously intoxicated.

He was using a female to lean on to keep himself on his feet. 

When police approached Boyle made off and ran towards Claremont House but was detained. 

He was said to have been abusive towards police clenching his fists and gritting his teeth. 

When police tried to search him for drugs he resisted and refused to allow police to carry out the task. 

His aggressive behaviour was said to have been such police used CS spray on him. 

While Boyle was on the ground being handcuffed he shouted 'up the IRA'.

Boyle was then taken to Altnagelvin Hospital but wasn't treated due to his behaviour when he was said to have have threatened a police officer. Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending as Boyle had only lasted 10 days after being bailed by the High Court. 

A police officer said Boyle had 22 previous convictions and had breached bail on 24 occasions. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that in the most serious case there was no prospect of the alleged victim making a statement. 

The solicitor said that his client must have been in the middle of a mental health episode when he allegedly stole the dog leads.

He said that Boyle had no memory of the latest charges. 

Bail was refused due to the risk of re-offending and Boyle was remanded in custody to appear again on April 19.