Derry Court: 17-year-old youth remanded for assault of his mother

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a mother was so afraid her son would return to her address she spent the night locked in the bathroom.

A 17-year-old youth appeared before the court charged with assaulting his mother, criminal damage to household items and causing unnecessary suffering to a dog on February 15.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail due to the risk of re-offending and the defendant's 'very poor bail history.'

The court heard that police were called to a report of a domestic incident between the defendant and his mother.

The mother said the defendant had arrived at her arrest accompanied by his girlfriend.

She allowed him in even though he was not supposed to be there.

The woman said that the defendant 'became aggressive' and damaged a phone.

As the incident continued the woman thought she was going to be assaulted and the dog got between her and the defendant and the youth was said to have kicked the animal.

The woman said she was so afraid she locked herself in the bathroom.

The defendant was said to have left before returning and making an obscene gesture through the window.

The police officer said that the defendant had 12 previous offences some of which involved his mother.

The court heard that police were concerned the defendant would return to his mother's address.

Defence solicitor Keith Kyle said that the allegations were denied and would probably take a few months to go through the system.

He asked for bail to an address outside the city.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said he was refusing bail due to the nature of the offences and the defendant's poor bail history.

The youth was remanded in custody to appear again on March 7.