Derry woman facing fresh charges of assault and breaching existing bail conditions

A woman who was released on police bail after being arrested for a series of offences was charged with further offences seven days later Derry Magistrate's Court heard today. 

Danielle Sweeney-Lawlor (34) of Derrymore in Derry appeared charged with new offences that were said to have occurred on December 29 and January 6 and breaching bail. 

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

He told the court that on December 29 police were dealing with a sudden death when they were told about a domestic nearby. 

They found a man with a 'bloody mouth' who said the defendant had punched him to the face.

Police found Sweeney-Lawlor sitting in the alleged victim's home and she was 'heavily intoxicated'.

When police went to arrest her she started 'shouting and swearing at police ' and then was alleged to have spat in the face of a female officer. 

In the ensuing struggle the defendant was alleged to have grabbed an officer by the hair and refused to let go so police had to use their batons. 

Sweeney-Lawlor was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and while there she continued to act aggressively calling police 'Orange b-----s, perverts and handicapped'.

The defendant was taken to a cell van and allegedly urinated on the floor of the van.

The court then heard tgat on January 6 police were called to an allegation of an assault. 

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The alleged victim told police he had an argument with Sweeney-Lawlor and she had struck him with a beer bottle and kicked him on the head with steel toe cap boots.

The court heard there were bloodstains on the wall and glass on the floor. 

The police officer told the court that Sweeney-Lawlor had 40 previous convictions for mostly violent offences and when she took alcohol she 'becomes very violent'.

The officer asked that she be remanded in order to protect the public.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that the offences were 'a cause for concern' but added tgat Sweeney-Lawlor had been on bail without incident since July.

He said that the case was likely to go to the Crown Court and due to the current industrial action it could be next year before it could be heard.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she would release Sweeney-Lawlor on bail but she would have to attend addiction services.

She was released on condition she has no contact with the alleged injured parties and stays away from alcohol. 

She will appear again on January 12.