A man accused of grievous bodily harm on a female has been denied bail, with the judge “convinced that if he is released he will do exactly the same again”.
Court heard that there had been eight incidents in a little over a year involving the 29-year-old and this alleged injured party.
Kevin Barry Grimley, of no fixed abode, appeared charged with grievous bodily harm, taking a vehicle without authority, using a vehicle without insurance and driving whilst disqualified at Armagh Magistrates’.
The case was listed for the purpose of a bail application with the defendant making his appearance via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution stated that there had been eight incidents involving Grimley and this alleged injured party in a little over a year.
She said: “He shows a disregard for court orders, that is evident in the offence of driving whilst disqualified, but it cannot be glossed over that she has contacted him.”
Defence barrister Conor Coulter raised the issue over what medical evidence was in place as proof of the grievous bodily harm.
A constable stated: “An ambulance was called to the scene, the injured party complained of sore ribs and it was believed they could have been broken, but she did not attend hospital.
“She did visit her GP on the following Monday morning but no x-ray was taken at that stage”.
Mr Coulter outlined: “The proposed address is at a Simon Community hostel, there is significant concern for the injured party but these hostels are throughout the jurisdiction.
“That should somewhat assuage police concerns, he has resided in hostel accommodation before and has abided by conditions”.
He continued: “This is a man, by his own admissions, has had issues with alcohol in the past, he had been in employment previously up until his first court appearance in 2009, and he wishes to find work.
“There is a history between the two parties, there is also a history of withdrawals and non-attendance at court, I am also aware these are much more serious matters than he previously faced, which are likely to take more time”.
Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy stated: “The defendant has been before this court on numerous occasions, his most recent entries are from March, May, August and November ’19.
“I am convinced that if he is released he will do exactly the same again”.
Bail was refused and the case was adjourned until April 7 for a full file.
