Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a local man was caught by police trying to consume his own faeces to hide the fact he had taken a Diazepam tablet.
James Doherty appeared in court charged with breaching his bail and possessing three Diazepam tablets on November 20.
The court was told that police were called to an address sue to an ongoing domestic incident.
When they arrived a woman told them that Doherty had left the premises after an argument.
While police were attending Doherty arrived back and his speech was slurred, his eyes glazed and he was unable to hold anything.
Police concluded he was under the influence of a controlled drug.
He was arrested for breaching his ail and three blue tablets were found on him.
Later in police custody Doherty was seen to try and consume his faeces and a small blue tablet was found in it.
Defence solicitor Mr. Paddy MacDermott said his client suffered from mental health issues and probably could have had Diazepam proscribed for him.
He said he had suffered an episode and decided to purchase some tablets knowing they would help him.
The solicitor said that Doherty 'had gone about it the wrong way' and should have gone to his GP.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that Doherty was 'walking atightrope' and released him on bail but warned him it was his last chance.
The case will be heard on December 15.
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