Northern Ireland

15-year-old appears in court over Derry violence

The Bogside of Derry City after a van was hijacked and burned out during six nights of trouble
The Bogside of Derry City after a van was hijacked and burned out during six nights of trouble The Bogside of Derry City after a van was hijacked and burned out during six nights of trouble

THREE teenagers and a man have appeared in court to face charges linked to disturbances in Derry.

The youths all appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court sitting in Omagh today.

A 15-year-old was charged with arson of a car on July 10 as well as riotous behaviour on July 9 and possessing and throwing petrol bombs on the same date. There was no bail application with solicitor Paddy MacDermott saying his proposed address had fallen through. He will appear later this week to see if a suitable address can be found.

A 16-year-old was charged with possessing articles for use with petrol bombs on July 13 as well as making petrol bombs on the same date. He was released on bail to observe a curfew from 8pm to 7am, must not enter the Bogside, be in a group of three or more and not to go within 500 metres of a police operation. He will appear again on September 4.

The third, a 17-year-old, was charged with possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances, riotous behaviour and throwing petrol bombs on July 12. He was also charged with six drug offences including possessing cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of both drugs on July 13.

There was no application for bail. He was remanded in custody to appear again on August 9.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court sitting in Omagh charged with three counts of possessing explosives with intent to endanger life during disturbances in the city last week.

John Paul Moore of Carleton Court in Derry faces a total of eight charges. He faces three counts of possessing explosives with intent on July 13 namely improvised explosive devices. He is also charged with riotous behaviour on July 12/13, making petrol bombs, possessing petrol bombs, throwing petrol bombs and indecent exposure all these offences are alleged to have occurred on July 13.

Defence barrister Ms Nicola Coulter said there would be no bail application at this stage. Moore who only spoke to confirm he understood the charges was remanded in custody to appear again on August 9.