Assault accused remanded in custody

John Paul Doherty, of Shanreagh Park, is charged with common assault, attempted criminal damage to an ambulance and resisting police.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on July 17.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard police attended an address in the city following an abandoned 999 call.

Officers spoke to the resident, who was allegedly ‘visibly distressed’ and was holding her right hip.

The court heard the woman then appeared to take a fit and an ambulance was called.

As she came round, it is alleged she reported that she had fallen down stairs as a result of 35-year-old Doherty pushing her.

Police entered the property and spoke to the defendant.

He denied assaulting the woman and claimed she makes reports to the police all the time because she is upset.

Doherty was arrested and allegedly became aggressive, kicking the ambulance as he was escorted to a police car.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said police have concerns the defendant, who has 14 previous convictions including one for a serious assault, will commit further offences or breach bail.

Defence solicitor Don Mahoney told the court the woman has withdrawn her statement of complaint and there is ‘precious little, if any, admissible evidence’.

He applied to the court to release his client with stringent conditions.

Bail was refused and Doherty will appear in court again next month.