Derry man who breached bail within days after his mother claimed he used 'emotional manipulation'

A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today after breaching his bail within days after his mother claimed he used 'emotional manipulation'. 

James Kelly (36) of Rinmore Drive in Derry appeared charged with criminal damage to a window at his mother's house and possessing pregablin on July 1.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that police were called to an ongoing domestic incident where the defendant's mother said he had damaged a window at the property.

She told police before she left the defendant had called her on multiple occasions demanding 'who do you think you are locking the door?' 

The court heard that Kelly became 'aggressive' towards his mother and his two sisters threatening to harm himself if he was told to leave.

When searched nine pregablin tablets were found in his jacket. 

At interview Kelly said he had found the door locked but there was a window damaged and he used that to enter the house.

He denied damaging the window and said he woke up to his mother and sisters shouting at him. 

Kelly claimed his mother was abusive towards him 'treating him like a black sheep'.

As regards the drugs the defendant said he had been addicted months ago and didn't know the tablets were there. 

A police officer said they had 'major concerns in relation to bail' as the defendant had breached bail within a short period of time.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that it was accepted Kelly had issues but that this incident had not escalated. 

He asked for bail to an address approved by the police. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that if there was 'a suitable address far enough away' he might consider bail.

But as Kelly was in court again within days he refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear again on July 25.