£27,000 worth of damage caused to police vehicle during disturbances in Derry-Londonderry, court told

by Q Radio News

Derry Magistrate's Court has heard that during recent disturbances in the Galliagh area damage estimated at £27,000 was caused to a police vehicle.

The revelation came during the case of two youths charged in connection with disturbances earlier this week.

The  first youth a 14-year-old who cannot be named due to his age was charged with riotous behaviour, attempting to damage a police vehicle, possessing and throwing a petrol bomb on August 5.

A police officer connected the youth to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that shortly after midnight on August 5 police were dealing with a crowd of about 10 or more who were throwing stones, masonry and petrol bombs at police.

A large crowd of around a hundred people were watching the rioting.

Police vehicles used their cameras to record the events and the officer said the defendant was identified picking up and throwing a petrol bomb.

Clothes he was wearing at the time were also seized.

The officer said that at interview the defendant admitted throwing the petrol bomb and said it was 'peer pressure' that made him do it.

Bail was opposed due to the fact that the 15 August was approaching with a bonfire planned for the Galliagh area and the officer said he was concerned about further offending.

He said the court was aware of the recent disturbances and added about the damage caused to one vehicle.

He added that an address outside of the city would be suitable to police.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client could as a temporary measure go to his grandmother's mobile home in County Donegal and that would alleviate fears of further offending.

The solicitor said the defendant had been 'very honest'  with police and had just gone 'along with the crowd.'

He said the youth had no motivation to attack the police but had been 'egged on' to get involved.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that young people had to realise they could 'burn themselves to death' when they threw petrol bombs never mind the danger to police.

He said: "Why do they think they have the right to throw petrol bombs at another human being?"

The 14-year-old was released on his own bail of £500 with one surety of the same on condition he resides in Donegal and does not enter the city of Derry except for court appearances.

He will appear again on August 21.

Meanwhile at the same court a 15-year-old youth appeared charged in connection with the same disturbances.

This youth was charged with riotous behaviour and attempted damage to police vehicles in the Moss Road area on August 5.

A police officer connected the youth to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that this defendant was identified throwing missiles at police during the disturbances.

He said he was arrested and clothing seized.

At interview he admitted throwing missiles but claimed 'older fellahs had encouraged him to do so.'

Bail was opposed due to the proximity of bonfire night and fears of re-offending.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client had apologised for his actions.

He said the court would be aware that it was not unusual for older people to encourage young people to take part in riots.

The youth was released on £500 bail to appear again on August 21.

Part of his bail conditions are that he is not to go within 500 metres of any police operation.