Derry man charged with criminal damage and assaulting police officers

A man has appeared in Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and assaulting police officers.

James Doherty, 28, of Capall Court, appeared charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on October 14.

Doherty was charged with kicking and smashing the glass door in a cooker, as well as assaulting police officers when they responded to the incident by spitting in the face of one officer. 

The court heard that the defendant had to be physically removed to be taken into cells.

When interviewed, he gave no comment to all questions.

The court heard that Doherty had previous convictions relating to assaulting police and criminal damage and objected to the bail application as they believe Doherty has a very high risk of reoffending.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley told the court that Doherty has a number of mental health issues that are not helped by his consumption of alcohol.

He also told the court that Doherty had made a partial admission to the charges, but claimed that the spitting at police was simply a result of leaning in close while shouting at them.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that the officers 'would know if it was accidental' and that he would give him 'one chance and one chance only'. 

Doherty was released on bail and will appear again on November 9.