Somali teenager facing assault and criminal damage charges 'simply does not want to be in the country' - court hears
Police were objecting to the youth going to London while the criminal matter was still outstanding
A 17-year-old Somali national who is currently on bail in connection with assault and criminal damage charges 'simply does not want to be in the country' Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.
The youth, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared charged with breaching his bail by not residing at his designated address.
A police officer said that the defendant had handed himself in to Strand Road PSNI Station stating his address was unsuitable.
The court heard that the address had been supplied to him by Social Services.
The officer said that the youth wanted to go to London and was 'trying to force the issue' by objecting to his address and that no address here would be suitable.
Defence solicitor Shannon Doherty said that the police were objecting to the youth going to London while the criminal matter was still outstanding.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that all he could do was release the youth on bail to an address approved by both the PSNI and Social Services.
The youth will appear again on September 5.