Man being sought by police after he didn't answer bail found hiding in dog kennel

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man who was being sought by police after he didn't answer his compassionate bail was found hiding in a dog kennel in Great James Street in the city. 

Daniel Greer (25) of no fixed abode appeared charged with breaching his bail on December 23.

The court heard that Greer was released on compassionate bail to attend the Housing Executive in order to get an address. 

He did so and was given an address in Portstewart but according to the landlord there he never stayed at the property. 

Greer did not return to prison after his period of bail. 

Part of his bail conditions on the original charge was that he does not enter the city of Derry. 

The court heard that police attended an address in Great James Street in Derry and did not find the defendant there but found him hiding in a dog kennel. 

The defendant appeared to be under the influence of some substance as there was no smell of alcohol. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and a police officer said that Greer had actively avoided police. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that there wasn't 'a lot to be said' about someone who gets released to get an address but doesn't return to prison.

Defence counsel Brendan Kearney said his client accepted that he was in Derry but denied being under the influence of anything.

He said that Greer claimed he had been sent to a hostel in Belfast by the Housing Executive. 

Judge McElholm said if he had been sent to a hostel in Belfast what was he doing hiding in a dog kennel in Derry. 

He said there was 'too high a risk' of re-offending and refused bail.

Greer was remanded in custody to appear again on January 12.