Teenager flees city after threat

The teenager was due to appear at a youth court in Derry

A 16-year-old boy has been forced to flee Londonderry after being threatened by republican paramilitaries.

He was due to appear at a youth court in the city on Wednesday on a charge of disorderly behaviour.

However, the court was told he was currently living at a secret address in County Donegal.

A defence solicitor said lines of communication had been opened between the paramilitary organisation and the probation service.

However, it was established that the death threat has not been lifted.

District judge Barney McElholm said the youth should respond to the charge either by telephone or through a letter to his solicitor.