Men 'Abused Tourists' In Londonderry

Two men who allegedly abused and insulted tourists have been remanded in custody at Londonderry Magistrates Court.

Ryan Sharkey, 19, from Jasmine Court and Ruarai Canning, 20 from Southend Park were charged with disorderly behaviour at Fahan Street yesterday.

Sharkey was further charged with having an offensive weapon and assaulting an unnamed person on the same day.

And Canning was further charged with indecent behaviour and exposing himself.

The court heard that an actor in the Maiden City Festival was on the city’s walls reading to a group of Italian tourists.

When the actor used the word Londonderry, a group of men on the green below shouted sectarian abuse.

Canning is alleged to have exposed himself at this point.

Some time later, two Australian women walking along the path were approached by the men who asked where they were from and asked for money.

As the women went away, Canning is alleged to have thrown a bottle at them.

One of the men later shouted abuse at a group of four tourists, two being adults and two children.

Defence solicitor Gareth McFadden said both men were extremely intoxicated and said that their families are appalled at the incidents.

District Judge Barney McElholm said their alleged behaviour was disgraceful as the city is trying to attract tourists.

He said he would not grant bail before the end of the Maiden City Festival and Saturday’s parade.

Both men will appear in court again on 13 August.

(NE)