County Derry man charged with harassment remanded in custody until suitable address found

A County Derry man who is accused of harassment has been remanded in custody until a suitable address can be found for him.

Darren Stewart, of Lerwill House in Adelaide Avenue, Coleraine, appeared via videolink before Limavady Magistrates' Court, sitting in Coleraine, today (Wednesday) charged with two counts of harassment.

The 39 year-old is charged with the harassment of one woman on December 1 2024 and the harassment of another woman on March 3.

The court heard that police were contacted on December 2 by one of the females who claimed that Stewart's behaviour towards her was troubling her.

She claimed that Stewart had approached her neighbour and had made inquiries about where the injured party lived.

He had also posted cards through her letterbox and was observed standing outside her house looking in through the window.

She claimed Stewart had also written a letter stating that he had accidently thrown a tennis ball into her garden and wanted it back.

The court heard that the woman said she had felt stressed and anxious about the incident.

The second woman contacted police stating that Stewart had been knocking and kicking her door and throwing stones at her windows in an effort to get her attention.

She said he had also posted letters through her letterbox.

Stewart was arrested and taken into custody and during interview, he accepted his behaviour but said he couldn't see how it was harassment.

A solicitor told the court that Stewart had been residing in assisted living accommodation however following these alleged incidents this address is no longer available to him.

“It's very unfortunate circumstances and there is nowhere for him to go,” said the solicitor.

“His social worker is trying her best to find somewhere for him to go. It's a very sad state of affairs.”

Remanding Stewart in custody, District Judge Peter King adjourned the case until March 10.