Three men faced separate criminal charges at Derry Magistrates' Court involving knife possession, stalking allegations, and an alleged assault.

Shay O'Hara, 26, admitted possessing two knives on August 14 and a charge of assault. Police observed him on CCTV walking along William Street in Derry at 5.15pm carrying two knives. A member of the public also reported him. The footage showed O'Hara in an altercation with another man, who said he was threatened but declined to make a statement. When police stopped O'Hara, he had no knives. He told police he was alcohol dependent and had been drinking all day.

District Judge Suzanne Rice said carrying two knives in public created a risk to public safety and concluded no bail conditions could ensure public safety. O'Hara was remanded in custody until September 14, with sentencing set for September 28.

In a separate case, Oisin McLaughlin, 21, appeared charged with stalking causing fear or alarm on August 15. The court heard the alleged victim was alone at home at 4am when McLaughlin was seen outside shining a light and knocking on the door. He was arrested and admitted being at the address, saying he was lonely. The court heard the pair had been in a relationship for two years. Bail was opposed on grounds he appeared fixated on the woman and police feared witness interference. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said McLaughlin was embarrassed by his behaviour and had not tried to force entry. Bail was granted with strict conditions, including a ban on entering the Waterside area, no internet-enabled phone, a curfew and an electronic tag. He is due back on September 14.

Frankie Lynn, 21, had been released on bail on August 11 for charges including possession of an offensive weapon and disorderly behaviour, with conditions including a curfew at an approved address and abstaining from alcohol. On August 14 police found him outside his address after he was reported absent. Police later learned he was wanted for an alleged assault that day in which he allegedly approached a man from behind and threatened to break his jaw; the man reported a ringing in his ears. When police arrived, Lynn refused a preliminary breath test and answered no comment in interview. Police objected to bail, citing 70 previous convictions and 15 previous bail breaches. Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott described the alleged behaviour as low level and said Lynn did not know the complainant. Bail was refused and he will appear again on September 10.