Derry Court: Man with '54 previous convictions' remanded for breaching his bail

A man who is on bail with a condition that he is not to enter the city was seen by a police officer close to the river on Sunday Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

David Montieth (35) of Duncreggan Road in Derry appeared charged with breaching his bail on June 11.

A police officer told the court that a police officer saw the defendant and recognised him walking along the river when he is not supposed to go into the city except to collect medication. 

Montieth was stopped and a search carried out and some items believed to have been stolen were found on him. 

Further searches were carried out and 60 Pregablin tablets were located as well as other items believed to be stolen. 

Montieth was taken to hospital and it was 20 hours before he was deemed fit for interview. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the court was told the defendant had 54 previous convictions. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that Montieth had been prescribed Pregablin but had bought more to 'top up'. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that this was the second breach in a matter of weeks and refused bail. 

Montieth was remanded in custody to appear again on June 15.