Derry man found hiding in roofspace remanded

A man had been 'actively avoiding police' for months was detected hiding in a roofspace after police with dogs forced entry to a house Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Colm McGuinness (33) of Fernabbey Drive appeared on the foot of an arrest warrant issued in June when he failed to answer his bail after being released on appeal after being sentenced to five months in prison.

The court heard that police had called at addresses in Limavady, Ballykelly and in Derry and at one point they believed McGuinness was living in a caravan in County Donegal. 

A police officer said they had 'zero confidence' McGuinness would abide by bail conditions.

Defence solicitor Roma McGeady said at the time of his release McGuinness' head 'was not in the right place.'

District Judge Barney McElholm said that his head didn't have to be in the right place just his body. 

Ms McGeady said that her client could not face going into custody at the time. 

Judge McElholm said that McGuinness had 'behaved disgracefully' and added he had no confidence the defendant would attend court.

He also removed an anonymity order that had been imposed in the case. 

McGuinness was remanded in custody and will appear again on October 23.