Derry man with 196 previous convictions charged with stalking his former partner

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with stalking his former partner.

Paul Farren (35) of Duncreggan Road in Derry was charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on March 1 and 2.

Police initially received a phone call from his former partner to say that Farren had come to her address, telling her he wanted to see their son.

Despite being told to stay at the front door, Farren was said to have come inside and closed the door behind him.

Inside the house, she allegedly told Farren to back off and asked him to leave but the court was told he laughed at the woman.

Finally he left after his son told him he would delete his phone number of he didn't.

The following day, the injured party told police she received a phone call from neighbors saying that Farren was seen at her property again, something that he denied.

Police objected to bail as Farren has 196 previous convictions, including domestic incidents with four different partners.

Police say he has previously been deemed a high risk offender and is also a registered sex offender.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that Farren had a 'terrible record' that was 'rooted in alcohol' and had 'spent lengthy periods of time in custody'.

He added that this was the first time in twenty years that he had been charged 'against a backdrop of sobriety', telling the court that Farren hadn't had any alcohol since getting out of prison.

Bail was granted on conditions including no contact with his former partner.

He will appear again on March 27.