Man barred from being within 500m of Quayside Shopping Centre breached bail

A man who is prohibited from going within 500 metres of Quayside Shopping Centre in Derry has been given 'a final warning' at the local Magistrate's Court today for breaching that order.

Christopher Woods (59) of Duke Street in Derry was charged with breaching his bail by being found outside a fast food outlet that was almost 200 metres from the shopping centre.

A police officer said that this was the defendant's second breach of bail and added it was 'a serious offence'.

He said police were not opposing bail but asked that Woods should be given a clear warning. 

Defence solicitor Keith Kyle said his client accepted the breach and added that there was no explanation that would be acceptable to the court. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that the defendant would have to 'figure out' where 500 metres extended to and stay out of that area.

He said if Woods re-offended in the same manner the court may conclude 'he was chancing his arm'.

Woods was re-released on bail to appear again on January 24.