Derry woman released from prison on Tuesday reoffended again on Wednesday

A woman who was released from prison on Tuesday appeared in court today charged with offences on Wednesday. 

Katy Bowers (36) of Heron Way in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a man occasioning him actual bodily harm on March 5.

She was also charged with assaulting another man and a theft from a local shop.

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

The court was told that Bowers was released from custody on Tuesday and then at 4.40pm on Wednesday police were called to an incident in Heron Way.

One man told them he had been sitting in his car with the window slightly open and a woman identified as Bowers approached and demanded to be let into the vehicle.

The driver refused and Bowers moved away but a short time later the man saw an altercation involving the same female and another male in another vehicle. 

Bowers was alleged to have punched this man to the head causing a bloody nose and also dug her nails into the hand of one of the men.

Bail was opposed due to the fact she was charged with offences less than 24 hours of being released. 

The officer said that most of the defendant's offences had occurred in the last 18 months and said they had 'grave concerns ' about the risk of reoffending. 

The police officer said that alcohol was a 'massive issue' and added 'where there is intoxication offences follow.'

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said his client was denying the charges. 

He said Bowers had been in custody since October.

The barrister said that he couldn't argue with the risk of reoffending but said up until the age of 34, Bowers had 'practically no record'.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop refused bail and Bowers was remanded in custody to appear again on April 3.