Northern Ireland

Man charged with assault on police and causing criminal damage

Officers were called to the scene of a fight involving knives

A brief hearing took place at Derry's Bishop Street courthouse
Che O’Connor (25) of Ballinska Heights in Derry was charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on February 8

A man has appeared at Derry magistrates court charged with assault, assaulting police, criminal damage and breaching his bail.

Che O’Connor (25) of Ballinska Heights in Derry was charged with the offences that were said to have occurred on February 8 after police were called to the scene of a fight involving knives.

A neighbour had made the initial call to police, telling them that O’Connor and his partner had been causing trouble all day.

When the neighbour went to confront him after hearing banging coming from a flat, O’Connor was said to have begun attacking him, kicking him in the head before leaving the room and coming back with a knife, causing him to immediately flee for his own safety.

When police arrived they attempted to detain O’Connor, who kicked and headbutted officers as they put him in a police vehicle.

He then proceeded to spit blood at police and in the vehicle, leading to charges of criminal damage.

Police also found that he had removed his G4S tag.

When interviewed, O’Connor gave no comment answers to most questions.

Police objected to bail as he was already in breach on two other charges.

Defence barrister Stephen Chapman told the court when applying for bail that his previous address was no longer available and added his client was denying the charges.

Deputy District Judge Alan White said it was “a hopeless bail application” and refused bail.

O’Connor will appear again on February 20.

Nine police officers were injured over a 48-hour period in Derry and Strabane at the weekend.

Police said between Friday February 7 and Sunday February 9, the officers were met with aggression from people who, in some instances were armed.