41-year-old Derry man with 184 convictions who left assault victim 'absolutely terrified' granted bail

A 41-year-old Derry man who has left his assault victim ‘absolutely terrified’, has been granted bail.

Terence Doherty, of Bonds Hill pleaded guilty to charges of common assault, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage for offences that occurred on May 8, 2017.

He was said to have assaulted a man in his own home, damaged his TV, lamps and lamp shades, then behaved in a disorderly manner at Altnagelvin’s A&E department.

The court heard the defendant has 184 previous convictions and, had just been released from prison, having served custodial sentences passed down in December.

A police officer described the incident from May 8 as an ‘unprovoked attack’ on a person as ‘they were watching a film’.

As a result, the injured party is said to be ‘absolutely terrified’ of Doherty, who is the brother of a man the defendant would ‘normally drink with’.

The victim is fearful of ‘running into (Doherty)’ in the street and had previously been ‘put under pressure to withdraw the case’.

During police interview, the defendant made ‘no admissions’ and claimed he was ‘defending himself’.

Applying for bail on the defendant’s behalf, Eugene Burns, defending, said Doherty’s difficulties are alcohol related, and by imposing no alcohol bail conditions it is like ‘making a rod for his own back’.

Police raised concerns about the proximity of the bail address to that of the injured party.

Doherty was granted his own bail of £750 and warned not to be within 500 metres of Glenbrook Terrace, even if that ‘means he can’t visit his mother’s’.

He is prohibited from consuming alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, has a curfew of 8pm-8am, and will be fitted with an electronic tag.

The defendant was warned that any contact with the injured party or consumption of prohibited substances will lead to immediate remand.