Derry youth breached bail while erecting republican flags
The youth was released but banned from going within 200 metres of any PSNI Station and observe a curfew from 10pm until 6am
A youth currently on bail on petrol bomb charges has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today for breaching his bail conditions by being in a group of more than four.
The 17-year-old youth who cannot be named due to his age appeared charged with breaching his bail on May 24 by being in a group of four in Asylum Road erecting republicans emblems.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was denying the breach of bail which he said was due to 'some ambiguity' in the conditions.
A police officer said that a group were erecting flags near the police station and the youth was warned about breaching his conditions which prohibit him from being in a group of four or more.
The officer said that the youth claimed he believed it was four others and him instead of three others and him.
Mr MacDermott said that his client denied being in the group but accepted he was 'close by'.
He said he was approached by police but then allowed to go home before later being arrested.
The solicitor said that the bail conditions were 'onerous' especially for a 17-year-old as he was also banned from entering Creggan.
He added the youth would maintain the petrol bomb charges arose after he confiscated them from younger children.
Police asked for the bail conditions to be increased to include not going within 500 yards of the police station and observe a curfew.
Mr MacDermott objected and said 500 metres was too great a prohibition and police agreed to 200 metres.
District Judge Barney McElholm said these were serious charges and added 'we want this society to move forward not backward'.
He released the youth but banned him from going within 200 metres of any PSNI Station and observe a curfew from 10pm until 6am.
The youth will appear again on June 4.