Man found with a knife with an eight inch blade told police he wanted to cut meat

A man who was found with a knife with an eight inch blade at 8.30am told police he wanted it to cut meat Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Ciaran Burke (30) of Lisfannon Park in Derry appeared charged with possessing a knife in Abbey Street on February 26.

He was also charged with possessing cocaine on the same date. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that police were alerted by the defendant's mother at 8.30am that he had left the house with a kitchen knife.

She said she was 'concerned' as she didn't know what he was doing.

Police located Burke in Abbey Street and he confirmed he was in possession of a knife and produced a large kitchen knife. 

He was arrested and during a search cocaine was said to have been found on him. 

Another bag was found in the police vehicle where Burke had been sitting. 

The officer told the court that it took 23 hours before Burke was fit to be interviewed. 

Bail was opposed due to the 'clear risk of re-offending' and the officer said Burke had 60 previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Jack Quigley said that this was 'a desperate case'.

He said that the defendant's mother had alerted the police and added that Burke had mental health issues.

District Judge Barney McElholm said he was not going to remand Quigley in custody for now but added 'how long he stays out is up to him'.

Burke was bailed to appear again on March 20.