By Alan Healy

A busy city centre post office in the city centre closed its doors yesterday.

The Diamond Post Office in Bishop Street is the second post office branch to shut in the city over the past month.

The Park Avenue Post Office in Rosemount closed at the beginning of December.

The closures come after the resignation of the Postmaster who ran both branches.

The building which housed the Diamond Post Office is now set to be incorporated into an adjacent bar.

A sign was placed on the door of the branch informing customers of opening times and services alternative branches at Custom House Street and Spencer Road.

Yesterday’s closure was confirmed in a letter issued by the Post Office to a number of public representatives, where it stated that the closure had been ‘regrettable’.

It adds that the closure would be ‘temporary’, and that efforts are ongoing to ‘reinstate’ a Post Office service in the area.

“Following the resignation of the Postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, the above branch will be closing temporarily on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

“I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum and we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.”

However, the letter warns that ‘it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office Limited.’

Commenting, the Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan urged the Post Office to ensure that it adheres to its assurances that the closure period will be ‘kept to a minimum’.

“This is an extremely busy branch and it’s vitally important that the service is put back into the community as soon as possible,” he told the Derry News.

“Many people, including the elderly, depend on this Post Office, and I hope that the reinstatement of this branch at an alternative site is made a priority by the Post Office.”

His concerns were echoed by the independent councillor for the Moor area, Gary Donnelly, who said that he had been contacted by members of the surrounding community concerned about the impact the closure would have.

“This is one of the busiest Post Office branches in Derry, and many elderly and vulnerable people would use it,” he added.

“These people simply do not have the means to travel to other post offices in Derry, and their needs must be addressed by the Post Office as a matter of urgency.”

Rosemount

Meanwhile, the Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Cooper has said that progress has been made in relation to the re-opening of the Park Avenue Post Office.

"The Post Office have confirmed to me that they are aiming to move to interview stage directly after the submission of the business cases by the interested parties,” he said.

“I am hopeful that all business cases will have been submitted in the coming week which will bring the announcement of a successful applicant a step closer.

“I will keep local residents up to date as the process moves to its conclusion in the next couple of weeks."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

The funeral will take place in Derry tomorrow of the veteran republican socialist Seamus O'Kane who died earlier this week, aged 70.

At Mr O'Kane's wake in Glenowen yesterday afternoon, a republican colour party lined up in front of the coffin, and a masked man fired a volley of shots from a rifle. A red flag, featuring the Starry Plough flag, adorned the coffin.

Mr O'Kane had been involved in politics in the city since joining the Young Socialists, in the 1960s. He had previously trained as a Christian Brother for a number of years.

Active in the civil rights movement, he later joined the Official IRA and in 2003 spoke to the Saville Inquiry about the group's activities in and around Bloody Sunday.

Three weeks after Bloody Sunday, the Officials responded by planting a car bomb at Aldershot Barracks in England, which killed seven people, including a military chaplain. Mr O'Kane was arrested in London and questioned about the bombing but was released without charge.

At the time of the Supergrass trials in the 1980s, Mr O'Kane went on the run and lived in Donegal for several years. Initially, he worked in the fishing industry as a deckhand on trawlers out of Killybegs and Greencastle. But he subsequently returned to education as a mature student and qualified as a teacher, working in Donegal Town and, up until his retirement, at St Peter's High School in Creggan.

The Director of the Rosemount Resource Centre, Tommy McCourt, had been a friend of Mr O'Kane's since their schooldays. He said Mr O'Kane would be 'sadly missed'.

"Seamus was very much a character," said Mr McCourt. "He was a highly intelligent individual, who lived by his own principles and views. He was involved in social politics from the early civil rights days right through until very recently. He will be very badly missed as regards his contributions.

"He was also a very generous person with a real social conscience. He was an only child, and when his mother left him their home at the Brandywell, he handed it over directly to a local family who were desperate to get housed. I remember him saying to me, 'What do I need a house for, Tommy?'"

Mr O'Kane's funeral will leave his Glenowen home tomorrow at 1pm for burial in the City Cemetery.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

As I write 2017 is drawing to a close and like many I wonder what 2018 has in store for us. I am no fan of New Year’s Eve and the turn of the year, how will a new number at the end of a date make a difference? I find it difficult to exchange embraces with people I hardly know and whom I would probably avoid at any other time of year, however it seems by tradition to be the time of year for reflection and speculation.

When I heard on the media that our politicians may well be gearing up for another round of talks it set me thinking. We’ve been here before maybe once or twice, what if everybody comes to the end of their tether? What if nobody wants us?

What if the EU, the US, the rest of the UK and the Republic just get fed up with us and walk off and leave us to our own devices?  But how could they? Sure we’re such a pleasant, loveable wee collection of people and sure aren’t we such good craic!

Tip of the hat

Since it is that time of year I have been trying to set right things that have been puzzling me over the course of the last twelve months. For some reason I have been contemplating the true value of a lifetime guarantee. Perhaps it’s an aging thing but it would seem only fair that as you get older you should you get a discount since your lifespan is reducing and it will therefore be less expensive for the company offering the guarantee.

You know the kind of thing I mean. Some cars for example come with a lifetime guarantee; some cooking utensils make a similar claim. I did a little digging around and was informed that a lifetime guarantee seems to mean that the item is guaranteed for as long as it keeps working which I think means that they will gladly repair or replace it until it actually breaks which really makes little sense to me.

Then I discovered something, which sounds as if it really does do what it says on the tin. I was recently in Bakewell in the Peak District and had cause to be loitering outside a draper’s shop when something in the window caught my eye. It was a clipping from ‘The Guardian’ which recounted the story of the owner of a certain make of hat who complained that the seam had given way after seventeen years of constant use. The company replaced the hat without a quibble. Now that’s what I call a lifetime guarantee. Hat wearers, I can give you the name of the company on request.

Slack advertising?

Why do I have such problems with words? A few weeks ago I was contacted by some one who declared their intention of coming to the shop to indulge in a little bit of epeolatry and did I mind? Well after having recourse to the dictionary I declared myself to be delighted. I was on the other hand a little bewildered when I noticed this label on the recent purchase of a pair of trousers. Climate Control, it read. Well they were green, could that be it? Was I making a contribution to saving the planet? I decided to contact the makers to discover exactly what it was I had bought. They were kind enough to reply. It transpires that the trousers are designed using modern technology to maintain maximum comfort for the wearer, which I thought was kind of the point of trousers.

[Epeolatry, for those without a dictionary handy, literally means the worship of words - Ed.]

The spring is sprung…

As time moves inexorably on I am constantly delighted that one is never too old to experience new things. As I said previously I was in England over the holiday season.  We were staying in Sheffield with relatives. They have a lovely home and we were really pleased not to be staying in a hotel. After having had such an early start I was only too happy to be offered the opportunity to have a lie down before the festivities began. I was dozing quietly and then was awakened by the sounds of more visitors arriving. On attempting to get up I suddenly felt the bed begin to fold in on top of me. I felt as if I was in a B movie caught in the maw of a giant clam or of a Venus Fly-trap. I fought to extricate myself, only succeeding with the help of loved ones. You may think to yourself that that’s what happens with those pick-up beds, but this was a real bed. I put it down to a design fault or poor quality steelwork but I tell you what, it’s a pretty good icebreaker when you’re meeting people for the first time.

Note to self; it really is time to sign up for this weight loss programme.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A number of homes in the Cornshell Fields area have been targeted by oil thieves over the Christmas holidays.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy said: “These are heartless criminals who care nothing for the people in their community who were left over Christmas and during particularly cold weather with no heat in their homes.

"This is the last thing these families needed at this time of the year.

"If anyone would like to contact me I can arrange for the local community safety team to fit a lock to their oil tank to make things more difficult for these thieves."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

MURPHY, Michael John - January 4, 2018, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband of Kathleen and father of Diarmuid, Conor, Ruairi, Sinead and his late son Colm and loving grandfather of Dearbhla, Calum, Cormac, Cara, Aoibhinn, Cian, Odhrán and Cillian and father-in-law to Michelle, George and Pauline and brother of Kevin, Gerald, Eoin and the late Terry Murphy. Funeral leaving his home, 65 Tirkeeran Road, Glenullin, Garvagh to St Joseph's Church, Glenullin for 11.30am Mass on Saturday January 6, 2018, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

ATKINSON (née Armstrong), Anna - 4th January 2018 peacefully at her home, 468 Beechview Gardens, Kilrea, Anna, dearly beloved wife of Billy, much loved mother of Lorraine and Adrian, dear mother-in-law of Bella and loving grandmother of Chloe, Joshua, Matthew, Jacob, Izzie and Clara. Funeral Service in First Kilrea Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 2.30pm followed by interment in St. Patrick's Parish Churchyard, Kilrea. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired to Marie Curie c/o James McMullan and Son, 18 Church Street Kilrea BT51 5QU. Lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family and the entire family circle.

NASH, Shar0n - 3rd January 2018 R.I.P.: beloved daughter of the late Kathleen and Tony, loving mother of Amyleigh, Shannon and Riordan and much loved grandmother of Chloe, Sophie, Brooke and Callum and sister of Alan, Mary and Geraldine. Funeral from her home, 1 Grainan Park, Belmont on Sunday at 1 pm for 1.30 pm funeral mass in St Patrick's Church, Pennyburn. Interment afterwards in the city cemetery. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Pray for Her. Sacred Heart of Jesus Have Mercy on Her Soul.

DOAK, James - (Castledawson) 4th January 2018. Beloved husband of Kathleen and loving father of Geoff, Jonathan, Amanda, Leanne and his step children. Son of the late James and Agnes Doak Ballymena. Funeral from his home 45 Castle Oak on Saturday 6th January at 11.15am for 12.00 noon Service in the Methodist Church, Church Street Magherafelt, interment afterwards in Polepatrick Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if so desired, to Macmillan Cancer Care c/o McCusker Bros Funeral Directors, 65 Rainey Street, Magherafelt, BT45 5AF. Deeply regretted by his wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, step children and family circle. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Last week's announcement by the DUP calling for  a new round of talks aimed at restoring devolution might, momentarily, have been seen as the party attempting to step up to meet its responsibilities. The party, many would argue, unilaterally destroyed the last administration and have, to date, made no attempt to resolve the international scandal and crisis they caused.

However, statements from Arlene Foster this week confirm what the less naive among us already suspected - it was a ruse. Our former First Minister wants a short round of talks, which will inevitably fail because of her party's complete unwillingness to contemplate any form of equality with nationalism in government. And she then wants and/or the British government, of which her party is a constituent member, to re-introduce direct rule from London - thus allowing her party to run the table again in the North.

The DUP know full well that they cannot bypass the Good Friday Agreement. They know that the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference must be constituted in the event that no agreement can be reached here.

Instead, they are attempting, quite brazenly, to set up a situation where others look unreasonable for failing to 'negotiate' with them.

There is, within certain sections of the media, a need to appear fair at all costs. As part of this, they insist on giving equal weight to unreasonable, discriminatory and often offensive views. And the DUP are becoming masters at manipulating this particular area of the media.

Unfortunately, the public have already spoken, with every party removing itself from the North's corrupted administration last year. And no amount of bullying or threats is going to convince nationalism to reconstitute a government with the DUP as it stands.

The DUP leadership must take the logs out of their own eyes first.

Civic awards

It is always heartening to see those who spend their lives in service of others acknowledged for their service. It is particularly gratifying to celebrate those who have overcome adversity - whether on their own behalf or on behalf of others.

The British Honours system is a well-intentioned attempt at marking that which is good and positive in British society.

However, its application in the North has often been unsuccessful, and at times indeed divisive, particularly within large sections of the nationalist community who understandably are suspicious of what they regard as British patronage.

There is a need to consider if, the continued use of this honours process, which is neither accountable nor transparent, is the best way of marking civic contribution in the North.

There is also a case to be made for developing an openly meritocratic civic awards system that is not the preserve of the British state or monarchy.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Health and Wellbeing Spokesperson Mark H Durkan declared he "won't turn a blind eye" to the crisis in the health service.

With increasing pressures in hospitals across the North and the political deadlock continuing, the Foyle MLA said, patients cannot wait.

He said: “For months the SDLP has warned of the deepening of our health crisis and the pressures staff are facing to deliver safe effective care. With growing waiting lists and fewer nurses, we cannot wait for action. 

"I have contacted the heads of each Trust in Northern Ireland seeking an urgent meeting to find a way forward.

"The SDLP believes healthcare must be prioritised and that political leadership is required. We know that transformation is the answer, however due to the ongoing political deadlock, that urgently needed transformation has fallen aside.

"I won't turn a blind eye to the crisis in the health service. I cannot. Daily, patients and staff come to me seeking help, they are at breaking point with the situation. It cannot go on. People must come first.

"A rights based society must surely include the right to safe and timely healthcare."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

A planned cut to a grant that helps reduce rates bills in poorer council areas is an attack on the most vulnerable and should be axed, Foyle Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion has said.

“The rates support grant is a key inequality measure that helps the seven less well-off council areas keep the rates base as low as possible,” she commented.

“Therefore, it is extremely concerning that officials in the Department of Communities have now confirmed their intention to cut the grant.

“In the Derry and Strabane District Council, they are proposing a cut of almost £150,000. That is a relatively small sum in the context of the overall council budget but it hugely significant in terms of a fund which is a key measure in tackling inequality.

“Measures which are in place to assist the most vulnerable areas and citizens should not be targeted by cuts. We all understand that departments are under pressure as a result of Tory-DUP cuts to the overall budget but these should not be forced onto those who can least afford it.

“As MP for Foyle, I am seeking a meeting with the lead official in the Department and I will be pressing for an immediate reversal of this decision. I hope that the other council areas and parties support me in that.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

New Derry-based sitcom 'Derry Girls' is officially a hit with a debut audience of 1.6m viewers.

Channel 4 described the audience figure as 'fantastic'.

Early reviews of the show have been extremely positive with only a few dissenting voices.

The show follows 16-year-old Erin Quinn and her friends as they grow up in early 90's Derry towards the tail end of the Troubles.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has called for urgent talks between the North's political parties to get Stormont up and running again to address the current health crisis.

The Foyle MLA has said that the only way to transform the health service is to have a government in place.

Mr Eastwood called on elected representatives to take responsibility and not hand power to the British government.

Watch the full video below:

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The security alert in the Lecky Road area of Derry has ended and those evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return.

Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: “The suspect device has been declared a hoax by ammunition technical officers (ATO).

“I would like to thank residents in the area and members of the public for their continued patience while we worked to keep everyone safe.

“However, I would strongly condemn the actions of a small group of people who threw missiles, including petrol bombs and fireworks, at officers whose only motivation is to protect the community they serve.

“This small minority of individuals showed a complete disregard for their area and the community who live there, by attacking police this afternoon. Their actions serve no purpose other than to cause harm to our community and lead to criminal convictions for young people.

“Thankfully no one was injured and despite these incidents, police will continue to provide the dedicated service to the local community."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Seretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire has resigned from his position.

It is believed Mr Brokenshire has resigned for health reasons.

He has held the position since 2016 when he replaced Theresa Villiers in a cabinet re-shuffle.

The new Secretary of State will inherit the task of trying to restore power-sharing at Stormont.

They are expected to be named later today as Prime Minister Theresa May re-shapes her cabinet.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

By Michael McHugh

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

FAULKNER, Sarah (Sadie) - 6 January 2018 peacefully at Causeway Hospital, Sarah (Sadie) dearly beloved wife of Jim and dear sister of Meta, Ted, Willie and James and the late Shaw, Sam, Joe, Lyle and Jack. Funeral from her home 50 Brown Drive , Maghera on Tuesday at 1.15pm to St. Lurach's Parish Church for service at 2pm followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard. House Private. Family flowers only please donations in lieu if desired to Marie Curie c/o James McMullan and Son, 18 Church Street, Kilrea BT51 5QU. Lovingly remembered by her sorrowing husband and the entire family circle.

REGAN (née Dougan), 7th January 2018 Peacefully surrounded by her loving family Kathleen R.I.P. beloved wife of the late Louis, devoted mother of Brendan, Sean, Bridget and mother-in-law of Joanne, Heather, and the late John McNamee. Funeral from her late residence, 71 Rocktown Road, on Wednesday at 10:15am for 11 o’clock Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lavey. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her Soul. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and wider family circle. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Saint Vincent De Paul c/o McKiernan & Sons, 45-47 Maghera St. Kilrea. BT51 5QL. N.B. Kathleen's wake will commence on Monday 8th January 2018 at 3pm*

SMYTH, Gilbert - January 7th 2018 (suddenly) at his home, Gilbert, much loved father of Karen, Mervyn, Keith and Paul, father-in-law of Natalie and Alex, dear grandfather of Carter, Cooper, Ernie and Freddie and brother of Norah, Roberta, Sandra, Pat and the late Mary. Funeral from his late residence 20 Ballydermott Lane, Bellaghy on Wednesday 10th January at 1 pm for service in Ballyscullion Parish Church, Bellaghy at approximately 1.30 pm. Interment afterwards in the adjoining graveyard. House private. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Macmillan Cancer Support, payable to S H Hamilton, Funeral Director, 18 Deerpark Road, Bellaghy, Magherafelt, BT45 8LB. Lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by all the family circle. At peace.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton has expressed his anger at the three month suspension given to Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff.

Mr McElduff has been suspended from his party after posting a video on Twitter with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill Massacre.

10 Protestant workmen were killed in the massacre which took place on January 5th 1976.

Mr Middleton said: "So McElduff gets a three month suspension from a job that he already refuses to do.

"Total disrespect to victims of terrorism and a complete failure from the Sinn Fein leadership to stand up to sectarianism and bigotry."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has slammed the Department of Communities’ callous attitude toward vulnerable PIP claimants.

In response to claims of inaccurate assessments, the Department has said that vulnerable claimants can record sessions if they provide the recording equipment themselves, which must be taken on specific equipment.

The criteria says acceptable formats are ;restricted to CD and audio cassette only".

It also says certain devices "capable of editing" are not permitted – and claimants must be able to provide a copy of the audio recording at the end of the meeting.

The Department for Communities (DfC) have suggested claimants could buy two cassette dictaphones to meet the criteria.

Mr Durkan said: "The lack of public trust, fairness and consistency in PIP decisions was a key conclusion of the recent independent Gray Review into the PIP assessment process. The same review made a clear recommendation that in the face of this, audio recording of the assessment should be the default, with the option for the claimant to opt out.

"One of the most common concerns constituents bring to me and my party colleagues in other constituencies is the inaccuracy of assessment reports. Audio recording is an open, transparent, impartial and quick way to resolve any disputes about what was said and/or what took place during the assessment process. As well as helping to enhance public confidence, it affords protections and safeguards to Capita staff and I cannot understand why Capita or the Department for Communities are refusing to take such a reasonable step to ensure greater openness and transparency in the process.

"125,000 people will go through the PIP assessment process here. Each of those people should have the right to a recording of their own assessment. For the Department for Communities to say that each of those 125,000 vulnerable claimants has to buy their own recording equipment, while dictating the specific, costly type of equipment that will only be accepted is outrageous and ludicrous. To place the onus and financial burden of greater openness and transparency on physically and financially vulnerable claimants is a disgrace.

"The simple answer is for the team of Capita assessors to be provided with their own equipment. Why would Capita or the Department for Communities have anything to fear from that? Their continued intransigence in the face of repeated SDLP requests is simply adding to the general distrust in the new PIP system. That must be addressed immediately."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney has called on DFI Roads to act to fix traffic lights at Bradley Pass which are still out over 24 hours after the fault was reported.

Cllr Tierney said that after fighting hard to secure the lights, that they’re useless if they aren’t operational at all times.

Cllr Tierney said: “The traffic lights at Bradley Pass and Glengalliagh road have been out since at least 11am yesterday. I’ve reported the fault to DFI Roads but the lights remain out and are causing serious safety concerns.

“This community campaigned hard for these lights because of concerns about safety at the busy junction. But they’ve failed on a number of occasions now. What’s the point in installing lights if you’re going to let them go out so frequently?

“DFI Roads need to address this fault and ensure the lights are reliably fixed before someone is seriously hurt.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

Derry man, 21 who admitted hit-and-run on Abercorn Road to be sentenced

A 21-year-old Derry man who admitted to offences arising from a hit-and-run incident on the Abercorn Road will be sentenced next week.

Jamie Mullan, of Sherrif’s Road, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, failing to report an accident where an injury occurred, and using a motor vehicle without insurance on November 8, 2015.

The defendant was first arraigned on May 23, 2017, when he entered pleas of not guilty, but when he was rearraigned on November 20 he pleaded guilty to the charges mentioned above and two other charges were left on the books.

Outlining the case, a prosecution barrister said the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on November 8, 2015.  The injured party had been in the Abercorn Bar celebrating a christening that day before leaving to go to the Oak Bar. He left there between 2.30am-3am and returned to the Abercorn Bar ‘trying to get a carry out with a number of friends’.

At this time a white Ford Focus passed the defendant heading down Abercorn Road in the direction of Craigavon Bridge and came to a halt a short distance away. The barrister told the court that a front seat passenger then got out of the vehicle ‘and came towards (the injured party) shouting and conflict ensued’. Friends of the complainant were said to have become involved at that time.

The Ford Focus then reversed back down towards the Abercorn Bar and turned around facing Upper Bennett Street. As the complainant crossed the road he was struck by the car and ended up on the bonnet, the defendant continued driving up Upper Bennett Street where the Public Prosecutor said the car ‘swerved’ causing the injured party to ‘come off the bonnet and strike a parked van’.

Multiple Injuries

As a result the injured party sustained injuries to his left knee (ruptured anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments), damage to his ankle, a dislocated femur, and tenderness to his back. He had to undergo extensive surgery for his injuries at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The incident was captured on CCTV, which was played several times in court during the hearing. After receiving information about the car the defendant was tracked down within two hours and was in possession of the keys. During police interview he accepted it was his vehicle but made no comment. He was again interviewed on February 24 after police had obtained further evidence and once again made no comment.

The prosecuting barrister said it is clear from the victim’s impact report that he has sustained physical and mental trauma. The court heard Mullan has previous convictions, including those for public order offences, but ‘only two road traffic offences’.

He suggested aggravating features of the case were that the defendant had no insurance and he ‘tried to throw the victim off the bonnet by swerving in order to escape’. “It would appear this is how he was thrown against a parked van,” he added.

Defence barrister Joe Brolly said he ‘respectfully disagreed with the characterisation of the case by the prosecution’ and didn’t believe his client’s driving was ‘habitually below the accepted standard’. He told the court that his client was speeding in order to get away from ‘an angry mob’.

Giving Mullan’s version of events, Mr Brolly said that as he drove past the Abercorn Bar he stopped thinking a female was going to walk in front of the car. He suggested the injured party then bangs the car and the defendant’s friend got out to confront him. A fight broke out, which the injured party’s friends got involved in, and the defendant then reversed in an attempt to ‘rescue his friend’ who was ‘being assaulted on the ground’.

‘Panic-stricken’

As the injured party ‘detaches himself’ from the fight and approaches the car, Mr Brolly, suggested Mullan made a ‘split second decision’ and ‘panicked’. The defence barrister said his client couldn’t drive backwards as in the ‘chaos’ he wasn’t sure where people were situated - therefore ‘panic-stricken’ - he drove forwards into the victim.

It was accepted by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) that he was being chased at the time which was why charges of failing to stop or remain did not proceed, the court heard.

Mr Brolly said the 21-year-old was a ‘conflicted young man’ who witnessed domestic violence as a child, and consequently became ‘hypersensitive’ to violence. He explained that Mullan was the victim of bullying throughout his schooldays, and was transferred between nine different care homes in the space of five years – including his displacement to Wales for a period.

The court was told that Mullan has received death threats from paramilitaries, was ‘hyper-fearful and paranoid’, and has made attempts on his own life. And although he has made progress, since moving into his own accommodation he has put seven locks on his doors, has an Alsatian dog, and has erected CCTV as he ‘believes the IRA are going to kill him’.

Defence Counsel asked for ‘considerable credit’ to be given to his client whom he suggested ‘has been in prison for large portions of his life’ having been ‘put in to different care homes’. He acknowledged that the victim was ’very badly injured’ and the incident had a ‘very damaging effect on him’. However, he believed it was a ‘potential turning point’ in Mullan’s life and said the court had a ‘huge responsibility’ when passing sentence.

Adjourning sentencing until January 17, Crown Court Judge Philip Babington said it was a ‘complex case’. Mullan was released on continuing bail, but the judge advised that the adjournment ‘should not be taken as any indication he will not be sentenced into custody’.

Picture caption: Victim Paul McCrossan, pictured here speaking to the Derry News three months after the hit-and-run incident, sustained injuries to his left knee (ruptured anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments), damage to his ankle, a dislocated femur, and tenderness to his back.  He had to undergo extensive surgery for his injuries at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.

There are over 800 homes currently without water in the Northland area of Derry.

SDLP councillor for the area Shauna Cusack has said that NI Water hope to have the issue fixed by 9pm tonight.

An NI Water spokesperson said: "NI Water are aware of a loss of supply in the area.

"Customers may experience a loss of water supply or a drop in pressure when the work is being carried out. We are working to fix the problem as soon as possible.

"Discoloured water can occur when the mains are disturbed. This can happen when there has been an interruption to supply following a burst main and the operational activity associated with the repair. The discolouration will be short-lived, and running the tap for a while should help clear it from the system.

"All water is disinfected to ensure it is safe to drink. Following operational activity, the level of chlorine in the water supply may be boosted temporarily. The amount of chlorine is carefully controlled and monitored at our treatment works and strategic points in the distribution system.

"Water quality samples are taken following burst mains repairs to ensure that a satisfactory water supply is restored to customers

"If you need further help or advice, please contact us on 03457 440088 and one of our team will be here to help, 24 hours a day."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.