Man 'must work with Christians'

A man sentenced to 140 hours community service told a probation officer he did not want to work with non-Christians, Londonderry Crown Court has heard.

Paul de Pinto, 36, from Meadowbank House, admitted assaulting a man last August after an argument broke out about religion.

Judge Pearse Grant said Del Pinto's reluctance to work with non-Christians appeared like "extremism".

But Del Pinto said he would work with anyone, but preferred Christians.

The court heard that several men were drinking in the injured party's flat when an argument broke out over religious principles.

Del Pinto was asked to leave but, as he was being escorted out, he assaulted his host, injuring his nose and mouth.

The defence barrister told the court his client has since apologised.