A Maghery man who is alleged to have assaulted his sister after being told to turn down his music has been granted bail to an address outside the village.
The 33-year-old’s barrister told court: “It must be conceded, the proposed risk of further offences given the domestic record….it is accepted he can’t return to the family home while this case is active.”
Eamon Joseph McKernan, of Marian Avenue, did not appear as his case was listed for the purposes of a bail application at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The defendant is charged with two counts of common assault and one of disorderly behaviour.
Outlining the background of the case, prosecution stated that on September 12, at 10am, police were tasked to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Maghery.
The alleged injured party claimed that her brother, the defendant, had assaulted her after she challenged him about the volume of music he was playing in his bedroom.
She alleged that McKernan had clenched his fist, putting her in fear of violence, before pushing her into a wardrobe and hitting her on the head with a remote control.
The defendant is accused of shouting in the street as he was arrested by police.
Objecting to bail, a constable stated that the alleged injured party was a high risk victim of domestic violence and McKernan was only recently been released from prison.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson stated: “It must be conceded, the proposed risk of further offences given the domestic record….it is accepted he can’t return the family home while this case is active.
“The irony of this is that his sister and mother are his greatest supports….this is not the most sinister in nature and it would ordinarily be one in which the court would consider bail.”
He commented that his client denied these allegations and would be looking to reside in hostel accommodation outside the Maghery area.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer stated: “This is not the most outrageously serious offence. The most serious thing is that he keeps doing it.
“It is my view that if he had somewhere to reside while the case is live then that would keep the family safe.”
McKernan was granted his own bail of £400 to an address approved by police, conditions of this included that he have no contact with the alleged injured party, he is not to be within a five-kilometre radius of Maghery and not to be intoxicated in a public place.
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