Man who erected sign outside Altnagelvin Hospital referring to a senior official with responsibility for safeguarding children charged with harassment

A man who erected a sign outside Altnagelvin Hospital referring to a senior official with responsibility for safeguarding children has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with harassment.

Gérard Scarlett (39) of Glenabbey Drive in Derry appeared charged with harassment of the woman between March 1 and October 25 this year.

He was also charged with resisting police on October 25.

The court heard that police were called to a report of a male with a sign outside the hospital. 

Scarlett was there and the sign referred to a senior official accusing her if being 'responsible for the removal of children' across the city.

The defendant told police he was making a 'peaceful protest' and when police went to remove the sign he tried to stop them and then 'went limp' and had to be carried to a police vehicle.

The court heard that this was the second occasion that Scarlett had erected the sign. 

The alleged victim in the case said that the defendant had sent her emails, letter and continuous phone calls so much so there were times other people could not get through.

A meeting was held with Scarlett to try and get the situation to stop but the defendant was said to have told the woman he had made it 'his mission' to destroy the woman and her husband.

He also described the home of the woman's parents putting her in fear. 

Bail was opposed due to the fact that Scarlett has 255 previous convictions and a record in the Republic of Ireland. 

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said his client 'fails the attitude test' and added that he may have a point to make but makes it in such a way people turn against him.

He said bail could be granted with suitable conditions. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said he has been dealing with Scarlett for years. 

He said even when he has a point 'it is the way he goes about it.'

The judge said that the defendant 'breaks the law and harasses people' and thinks 'decency' doesn't apply to him.

He said he would give Scarlett a chance but one breach and he was going into custody. 

He was released on bail with one surety and told he was not to enter the Waterside area of Derry. 

Scarlett was also told that he is to have no contact whatsoever with the alleged victim or her family and that meant 'her name should not escape his lips.'

Scarlett will appear again on November 23.