The partner of a heavily pregnant woman has appeared in court after allegedly attacking her and attempting to destroy the unborn baby.
Ryan Dobson (26) from Feegarran Road, Cookstown is charged with intentionally applying pressure to the woman’s throat, assaulting her causing actual bodily harm, and attempting to cause the unborn baby to die.
A detective constable told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
He explained at around 4.30am on July 13 the woman contacted police stating she was 35 weeks pregnant and had been assaulted by Dobson.
She said a few hours beforehand she had found messages on his phone indicating he had been contacting escorts.
On confronting him he became “irate”, dragging her to the floor by her hair, repeatedly kicking her to the head then stomach, before grabbing her by the throat leaving her struggling to breathe.
She showed officers images of swelling and bruising to her cheek and eyes and marks to her throat
There was also blood about the bedroom where the alleged assault occurred.
The woman was admitted to hospital for abdominal trauma and is awaiting results around any potential damage to the unborn baby.
In addition she was treated for a suspected broken jaw given the extent of swelling to her face.
Dobson was arrested and during interview provided a pre-prepared statement contending, “I am innocent. I was asleep when (partner) hit me. She saw something on my phone. I certainly didn’t hit her. I certainly didn’t try to harm my unborn baby. I do not want to make a statement against her. She is a good person.”
Thereafter he answered “no comment” to all questions.
The woman has not yet provided a statement but her verbal account was captured on bodyworn cameras.
Objecting to bail the detective confirmed there are no previous domestic abuse reports about Dobson, but concerns remain around the woman’s sustaining a serious blow to the stomach in the advanced stages of pregnancy, resulting in her being admitted to hospital in case of complications. More bruising and swelling has continued to come out which shows the force used on the vulnerable female.”
He added Dobson could give no explanation for the injuries apart from saying that he did not cause them.
“Police feel there is a risk of further offending towards the woman and her unborn child as well as potential interference,” said the detective.
“We are concerned that no previous incidents shows the woman may not have reported these, or if this is the first, it’s extremely serious.”
The detective stressed: “This woman remains in hospital. She has been through huge trauma and hasn’t had time to think about a statement. Police feel if the defendant is released there will be pressure put on her not to engage further.”
A defence solicitor accepted a bail application was difficult but pointed to no statement of complaint, however Dobson, “will accept any conditions the court may impose. He knows he obviously won’t be present at the birth but if bailed, arrangements could be made through Social Services to allow him to see the newborn child.”
District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked: “All of this depends on whether the complainant makes a statement or not. Obviously her concerns are currently elsewhere given the injuries she appears to have sustained.”
He decided to adjourn the application for bail until police have ascertained the views of the woman as, “the case is heavily reliant on that. We might have bodyworn footage but often that is not up to standard.”
Dobson was remanded in custody in the meantime and the judge requested police establish if the woman intends to make a statement and the issue of bail will be revisited on July 18.
