Man who allegedly phoned ex-partner 90 times in six hours before Derry court

Michael Dillon (42) of Crawford Court in Derry has been charged with entering a premises as a trespasser, namely his former partner's home, and with harassment in incidents alleged to have occurred on February 28.

The court was told the Police Service of Northern Ireland were initially contacted by the alleged injured party when Dillon was said to have called her 90 times between 1am and 7am in the morning.

Dillon and the alleged injured party were said to have been in a relationship for two months and had broken up ten days prior, the Magistrate’s Court sitting in Derry on Monday were told.

Dillon was said to have left voicemails that indicated that he was in his former girlfriend's home while she wasn't there.

Police attended her address and Dillon was said to have answered the door. Upon entering, police found a number of damaged items and Dillon was arrested for burglary and harassment.

They also found a ligature and police said they believed the defendant intended to die by suicide in her property.

When interviewed, he admitted to making the phone calls but claims he didn't get the messages she sent in response asking him to stop.

He also denied damaging her door but admitted he knew he didn't have permission to be there.

Police objected to bail as they believe Dillon lives too close to the alleged injured party and, they say, can't abide by the simple message that the relationship is over.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that Dillon claimed the relationship was more serious than initially reported, claiming that he and the alleged injured party had in fact lived together 'for three or four months'.

He said that Dillon 'clearly has some sort of psychological issues' but has 'no ill will' towards his ex girlfriend.

Bail was granted on condition Dillon does not enter one area of the city and has no contact with the alleged injured party.

He is due to appear again on March 26.