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Paddy Leonard, 15 Jun
District Judge Barney McElholm has said that some people 'avoid parts
of the city centre' due to the activities of street drinkers.
His comments came as he remanded a man with 171 previous convictions in
custody for offences that were said to have occurred around 1pm on June
14.
Paul Farren (33) of Duncreggan Road in Derry appeared charged with
assaulting a man, disorderly behaviour in the Strand Road and resisting
police on June 14.
The court heard that police were on patrol and we're approached by a
man claiming he had been assaulted by Farren outside the old Bank of
Ireland building.
The man claimed Farren threw a bottle at him before jumping on his back
and taking him to the ground in a headlock.
When police approached Farren he resisted and CS spray had to be used.
An independent witness told police that the alleged victim had
commented about begging before the bottle was thrown.
A police officer said that the court was 'extremely aware of Farren'
who was a chronic alcoholic.
He said he had received a suspended sentence 15 days ago and the
officer said he was 'surprised he had lasted so long.'
The court heard that if Farren drinks then he will offend.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had given 'a version
of events' but said that for the first time in a long time the
defendant had an address.
He said bail could be granted with a condition he does not enter the
city centre.
Judge McElholm said that even if he imposed a condition on Farren not
to drink or enter the city centre he would do both.
He said locking people up was 'a waste of money' and achieved nothing
except give the people of the city some respite.
The judge said if he granted Farren bail he would have breached it
'before the day is out.'
Farren was remanded in custody to appear again on July 6.