A MAN has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage to murals in the Fountain area of the city.

Robert Norton (39) of no fixed abode was charged with four counts of criminal damage to murals aggravated by hatred.

He was also charged with the theft of a mural plaque valued at £1,000.

All of the offences were said to have occurred on November 12.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and said the issue of bail was complicated by the address being offered.

The police officer said that the proposed address was too close to the Fountain area.

It was suggested that the defendant could be released subject to an address approved by the PSNI.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that he was not convinced that an address would be found.

Norton was released on bail on condition that he does not enter the Fountain area and observe a curfew after the court heard that the offences allegedly happened at night.

He will appear again on December 8.