A man accused of theft was temporarily arrested to determine his real identity

An Ethiopian national was today remanded in Derry Magistrates’ Court after the court heard he gave one name but fingerprints suggested it was someone else.

In court documents, the defendant was identified as Dessie Yafiet (27), of no fixed abode, charged with assault on a woman, disorderly conduct, resisting and obstructing police, and theft charges that allegedly occurred on June 9 and 10.

The police officer linked the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court the defendant allegedly walked into Tescos on Quayside and ordered cigarettes worth £15.60.

It is said that the man gave the assistant £10 and when he was told it was not enough, he took the money and cigarettes and tried to leave.

In response to the allegations, the man claimed that he had paid for the cigarettes and clenched his fists towards the staff.

The court heard that on June 9, police were called to Tesco again following a report of an aggressive man who was refusing to leave the premises.

They were told the man was causing annoyance and was aggressive towards staff.

He tried to reach across the counter to pick up items, but took away the employee’s cell phone and was met with a challenge.

He refused to leave the country and when asked for his name, he said it was Muhammad Ali.

When police asked for details, he said he didn’t know the name or address.

The court heard that the man made lewd comments to a female police officer and pushed her before starting to fight with police.

Bail was opposed because the police were unable to identify him and because he did not have an address.

Defense lawyer Seamus Quigley said bail could be granted with appropriate conditions.

District Judge Barney McElholm said the court couldn’t even be sure who the defendant was.

He refused bail and placed the man in custody, saying it was necessary to establish his true identity.

It will reappear on July 4th.