Bail for man who was arrested for breaching bail conditions after being sentenced last weekend

A man who was jailed on Friday and released pending appeal was arrested over the weekend for breaching his bail conditions.

Stephen O'Kane (35) of Fanad Drive in Derry was sentenced to four months on Friday for driving matters and released on bail on condition he does not consume alcohol.

A police officer told Derry Magistrate's Court that when there were problems with the defendant's tag police called and found him to be intoxicated and a breath test revealed a reading of 138mgs with 35mgs being the legal limit.

A police officer objected to bail saying the defendant had not lasted two days. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client accepted the alcohol breach but maintained he was unaware of the tag condition.

He said O'Kane had been drinking at home and had not been out causing a nuisance and asked the court to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that the reading was not simply someone having a few drinks and said that he was a danger to the public. 

He said he was 'unimpressed and very unsympathetic' with O'Kane but said he would give him a chance.

The defendant was released on bail to appear again on January 8.