Man to face trial charged with damaging historical monument

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on a charge of destroying or damaging an historical monument.

James Thompson (76) of Coney Road in Derry appeared at a preliminary enquiry at the local Magistrate's Court today.

He was charged with destroying or damaging an historical monument namely an anti-aircraft battery on dates between February 19, 2019 and October 19, 2022.

It was accepted there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions. 

Thompson said he did not want to call any witnesses or make any statement at this stage. 

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on January 17 2024.

It is believed that the charge relates to a World War Two gun emplacement that is on his land.