Rory Mooney, 21 Mar
A man has had his bail revoked and been remanded in custody at Derry
Magistrate's Court today for being in the company of the alleged victim
in his case.
Damian O'Hara (44) of Kular Court in Derry appeared charged with
breaching his bail just a week after being granted High Court bail.
The defendant is charged with domestic offences and the court heard
that he was granted bail on March 6.
The court heard that the alleged victim in the case was reported as a
missing person on March 17 and police spoke to O'Hara as part of their
inquiries and he denied having seen her.
When police went to the woman's address a neighbour told them the
missing person had left on March 14 carrying bags of clothing and
accompanied by the defendant.
Police went to O'Hara's address and there was no answer so they forced
entry and found the missing woman and the defendant in the property.
A police officer said they had 'concerns' that the woman was vulnerable
and also that O'Hara had breached bail so soon after being granted High
Court bail.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client would maintain
the woman turned up at his door and accepted he should have sent her
away.
He said O'Hara 'did not seek her out'.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that he had initially refused bail
as the addresses were too close.
He said he did not believe a word the defendant had said and he knew
the woman had been reported missing.
He revoked bail and remanded O'Hara in custody to appear again on March
28.