Man charged with criminal damage and assaulting a police officer remanded

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and assaulting a police officer.

Michael McMahon (32) of Clon Elagh in Derry, was charged with, on December 17, cutting off his electronic tag and kicking a police officer.

Police were called to his address on Sunday night after being alerted that he had cut off his tag. 

When they arrived, McMahon's mother told them that he'd had two alcoholic drinks and had 'gone mad', later revoking her address as a bail option.

McMahon proceeded to kick one of officers that arrested him.

When being interviewed, McMahon said that he knew cutting off the tag was an offence but said it had been 'annoying him' then he claimed to have no memory of kicking the officer.

Police opposed bail, telling the court that McMahon has 30 previous convictions and three charge sheets before the court and they believed he was at risk of reoffending if released.

Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that the incident was 'minor' in a 'sliding scale' of offences McMahon has committed, adding that he was seeking to be released on bail to his own address. 

Bail was refused and he will appear again on January 11.