Man currently on bail for domestic abuse offences breached bail

A man currently on bail for domestic abuse offences breached his bail by contacting a woman he is prohibited from contacting, Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Dean Patrick Pritchard (25) of Waterloo Place in Derry accepted the breach of bail.

The court heard that the breach took place when the defendant sent a friend request to one of the alleged victims in the case on Snapchat.

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said that the message had been the result of 'a rush of blood to the head.'

Deputy District Judge Paul Copeland said that the courts take 'a very serious view' of harrassment especially when it involved a female victim.

He told Pritchard he could end up in custody over this but said he would accept it was 'a one off' and re-released him on bail again.