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26 Nov 2025
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26 Nov 2025
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Derry Court
A man who claimed to have an explosive device has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court.
Darren McGrath (20) of no fixed abode was charged with, on November 24, assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, namely a steak knife, and making false claims with regards to having an explosive device.
Police were initially called by the alleged injured party who said that she had been assaulted by McGrath and that he had a knife.
She claimed that he had punched her in the head and she was seen by police to have significant swelling.
A police armed response unit arrived at the scene and McGrath claimed to have an explosive device on his person before his eventual arrest.
When interviewed, he claimed that the alleged injured party had assaulted him and that he had only hit her in self defence.
He also answered no comment when shown photos of her injuries and admitted to the charges regarding the false claims about the explosive device.
Police objected to bail as McGrath has 127 previous convictions, including multiple counts of assaulting police and common assault and had only been released from custody last Thursday.
Defence Barrister Stephen McNicholl said that McGrath was facing 'serious allegations' and had a 'very significant record'.
He added that it was clear that 'a lot of alcohol had been taken' at the time of the alleged offences.
District Judge Ted Magill told McGrath that having 127 convictions by the age of 19 was 'appalling', telling him that, if he were released, he had 'little doubt' he would reoffend and denied bail.
He will appear again on December 17.
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