High Court hears claims Derry man under threat from dissident republicans over flat break in
The 25-year-old, who is not being named for legal reasons, was allegedly involved in smashing the front door and window of the property at Glendale Park in the city.
Prosecutors also claimed a woman living there was dragged outside and cut on the leg by a co-accused.
The man faces charges of aggravated burglary, possessing an offensive weapon in public, aggravated vehicle taking, common assault and disorderly behaviour.
He allegedly arrived at the flat in the Galliagh area on June 5 with an associate who was carrying a wooden plank.
Police were told the resident was trailed outside when she tried to get them to leave.
According to her account the co-accused then produced a sharp object from his jacket which he used to inflict a cut above her ankle.
The alleged intruders sped off in a car with his tyres spinning, the court heard.
Later the same day that vehicle was said to have been involved in a road traffic collision at an another location in the city.
Following his arrest the 25-year-old defendant denied the offences, claiming he acted in self-defence.
He stated that while he was at the flat with his co-accused he was attacked by individuals brandishing a suspected machete and fence post.
Opposing bail, a Crown lawyer contended that he poses a risk to the public based on alleged actions in a housing estate in mid-afternoon.
“Police have information the community are aware of the incident and who was involved,” she said.
“The applicant is under threat management for action to be taken against him by violent dissident republicans.”
Bail was granted, however, based on the length of time the case is expected to take.
Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan imposed conditions including a ban on entering the Cityside of Derry.
And the defendant was warned by Sir Declan: “Essentially he’s not to cross the River Foyle.”
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