Derry Court: Bail for man alleged to have called neighbour a 'gypsy b-----d'

A man who was alleged to have called a neighbour 'a gypsy b-----d' has been released on bail at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Ronan Boyle (29) of Moss Park in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a man, attempted criminal damage to a door and disorderly behaviour on July 17 with the charges aggravated by hatred. 

The court heard that police were called by the alleged victim who said that the defendant was kicking at his front door and calling him a gypsy.

The man opened the door and Boyle was said to have lunged at him putting him in fear of assault.

The court heard that both men were neighbours and had known each other for 20 years. 

When arrested Boyle said he was under the influence of alcohol and other substances and could not 'remember everything that happened.'

He claimed the alleged injured party had accused him of kicking at the door something which he denies. 

Police opposed bail on the grounds that the proposed address for the defendant was too close to the address of the alleged victim. 

Defence solicitor Roma McGeady said her client had lived in this area all of his life. 

She said the new address had a separate entrance and Boyle could be managed with conditions. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that he would take a chance and release Boyle on bail. 

He imposed conditions that the defendant was not to go within 300 metres of the alleged victim and observe an alcohol ban. 

He will appear again on August 16.