Two Derry men charged with abusing and insulting tourists

Two men who allegedly abused and insulted tourists of three different nationalities in what was described as ‘a disgraceful incident’ have been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate’s Court.
19 year old Ryan Sharkey of 11, Jasmin Court and 20 year old Ruarai Canning of 42, Southend Park were charged with two counts of disorderly behaviour in Fahan Street on Wednesday.
Sharkey was also charged with having an offensive weapon and assaulting an unidentified Australian tourist on the same date, while Canning faced a further two charges of indecent behaviour and exposure on the same day.
The court was told that an actor in the Maiden City Festival was on the walls waiting to take part in a pageant and saw four men on the green area below the walls.
A group of Italian tourists approached the actor who began his script and used the word ‘Londonderry’.
At this point the defendants are alleged to have shouted sectarian remarks, while Canning, who had been urinating, was said to have exposed himself at the group.
Shortly afterwards, the group approached two Australian women and asked them for money. As the Australians left the area, Sharkey is alleged to have thrown a bottle at them.
Defence solicitor Gareth McFadden said both his clients were extremely intoxicated at the time.
District Judge Barney McElholm said it was ‘a disgraceful incident’ at a time when the city is trying to attract tourists. He said there was no chance of him granting bail until at least the Maiden City Festival and tomorrow’s Apprentice Boys’ march are over.
He remanded the two in custody to appear again on August 13.