Northern Ireland

Derry man seeking bail under threat from 'violent dissident republicans'

A Crown lawyer contended that the defendant poses a risk to the public based on alleged actions in a housing estate in mid-afternoon.
A Crown lawyer contended that the defendant poses a risk to the public based on alleged actions in a housing estate in mid-afternoon. A Crown lawyer contended that the defendant poses a risk to the public based on alleged actions in a housing estate in mid-afternoon.

A Derry man accused of breaking into a flat armed with a metal pole is under threat from "violent dissident republicans", the High Court heard today.

The 25-year-old, who is not being named for legal reasons, was allegedly involved in smashing the front door and window of the property at Glendale Park in the city.

Prosecutors also claimed a woman living there was dragged outside and cut on the leg by a co-accused.

The man faces charges of aggravated burglary, possessing an offensive weapon in public, aggravated vehicle taking, common assault and disorderly behaviour.

He allegedly arrived at the flat in the Galliagh area on June 5 with an associate who was carrying a wooden plank.

Police were told the resident was trailed outside when she tried to get them to leave.

According to her account the co-accused then produced a sharp object from his jacket which he used to inflict a cut above her ankle.

The alleged intruders sped off in a car with his tyres spinning, the court heard.

That vehicle was said to have been involved in a road traffic collision at an another location in the city later the same day.

Following his arrest the defendant denied the offences, claiming he acted in self-defence.

He stated that while he was at the flat with his co-accused he was attacked by individuals brandishing a suspected machete and fence post.

Opposing bail, a Crown lawyer contended that he poses a risk to the public based on alleged actions in a housing estate in mid-afternoon.

"Police have information the community are aware of the incident and who was involved," she said.

"The applicant is under threat management for action to be taken against him by violent dissident republicans."

Bail was granted, however, based on the length of time the case is expected to take. A number of bail conditions were imposed.