Man charged with stealing and damaging security tag after being 'AWOL' for five weeks

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with stealing and damaging his security tag after being 'AWOL' for five weeks.

Andrew Carlin (26) of Clooney Terrace in Derry was charged on June 26 after handing himself into police.

The court heard that police had initially gone to Carlin's address on May 20 and found both him and the G4S tag equipment missing.

Five weeks later, on June 26, Carlin handed himself into police, where he was charged with two breaches of his bail conditions: not signing on and not residing at his approved address.

Carlin, who is on bail for drug charges had previously cut his tag off in June last year.

Police objected to bail as they said there was a clear risk of reoffending.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that it was 'better that he handed himself in' but added that he knew the court 'won't reward someone going AWOL for five weeks'.

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