A man who is accused of assaulting his wife after she refused to give him money to buy drugs has been released on bail.
Court heard that a further allegation was made by the 38-year-old’s wife, as she claimed he had placed a pillow over her face until she agreed to transfer him money.
Maksimas Grigorenko, of Bluestone Hall in Craigavon, appeared charged with two counts of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court.
Appearing via videolink from police custody, the defendant confirmed that he understood the charges and was connected to the same by a constable.
Defence solicitor Philip Reid made no question to the connection and informed the court that an opposed bail application was to be made.
The constable outlined that on May 6, police were called to a report of a disturbance at Bluestone Hall in Craigavon.
Upon arrival, officers spoke to the alleged injured party, via an interpreter, as she made an allegation of being assaulted by her husband, Grigorenko.
She claimed that the couple had an argument after the defendant asked her for money to buy drugs.
After refusing this request, the injured party alleged that Grigorenko became physically aggressive towards her.
The constable outlined that the defendant was accused of pulling his wife’s hair, along with twisting her ears and wrists.
The injured party went on to make a further allegation, claiming that on April 22 her husband had placed a pillow over her face until she agreed to transfer him money.
Objecting to bail, the constable stated that an address proffered was still to be checked and there was a fear that the defendant would continue to assault the alleged injured party.
She also claimed that whilst in police custody Grigorenko made an unsolicited comment to officers about returning to Lithuania.
Mr Reid told court that the custody sergeant had agreed to release the defendant subject to a suitable address, and this was yet to be checked but was outside of Craigavon.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes granted Grigorenko his own bail of £500 to an address approved by police, with one condition to have no contact with the alleged injured party.
The case was then adjourned until June 4 for an update.
