Derry man jailed for restraining order breaches

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for two breaches of a Restraining Order. 

Neil Joseph McFeely (30) of Lawrence Hill in Derry admitted two breaches of the order that occurred on February 12 and February 15.

The court heard that the injured party contacted police to say that the defendant was banging on her door after being asked to leave the premises. 

On February 15 police were contacted by a 999 call from the injured party. 

Police attended and found McFeely along with the injured party and another male.

All were said to have been intoxicated and McFeely was said to have been verbally abusive.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that the order was designed for McFeely not to harass, pester or intimidate but did not preclude contact.

She said that there would have been difficulties with the prosecution except McFeely 'held his hands up' and admitted the offences. 

The barrister said there was no suggestion of any violence or anything of that nature. 

District Judge Conor Heaney said that court orders were designed to protect people and it was not up to McFeely 'to decide whether to comply or not'.

He sentenced McFeely to two months in custody.