Shocking details of an alleged domestic attack have been revealed in court as it emerged police were required to force entry to a house where the victim was found collapsed.
Dan Marrian (37) from Rockdale Road, Cookstown is charged with actual bodily harm and threatening to kill the alleged victim on September 1.
It is further alleged he engaged in a course of abusive behaviour to cause physical or psychological harm in the weeks prior to the attack.
A police officer told Omagh Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
He explained police were contacted after the alleged victim arrived at a neighbour’s house in a very distressed state, stating she had been assaulted by her partner.
She said he had become violent after consuming alcohol, slapping her multiple times across the face and kicking her legs.
Officers noted reddening to her face and a lump to her forehead which was a pre-existing issue and not from assault.
The couple’s two young children witnessed the alleged incident and were very upset.
She disclosed Marrian had been restricting her contact with family and friends over time.
He was arrested and during interview claimed the victim “had been screaming at him and he asked her politely not to speak to her family as they give him trouble and she only does it to upset him”.
Marrian denied any assault and when asked about the marks on her face replied “she could have done it to herself”.
He denied threatening to kill her and insisted he wants nothing more to do with her.
Objecting to bail the officer said: “There has been a significant update in terms of the victim’s injuries in this very concerning incident. She was advised to attend hospital for treatment at the time but refused as she didn’t want to leave her children given their distress.”
District Judge Peter Magill remarked: “She was advised the injuries may be more serious but that’s not the case.”
However, the officer said the victim had been taking painkillers since the incident but, “unfortunately today (Tuesday) she was found collapsed in the house. Police had to force entry and she was taken to hospital. It transpires she has a massive haematoma to her forehead.”
The judge replied: “I was told that was an existing matter.”
The officer continued: “It was but I don’t know how that caused fresh bruising. There’s also a suspected skull fracture, fractured ribs, significant bruising behind her ear and to her back and legs.”
“That may be so, but this man has a clear record,” said Judge Magill.
He was informed there are previous domestic reports involving the defendant although none reached court and the accused is also under investigation for a serious assault against a member of the alleged victim’s family.
Concerns were also expressed for the young children who gave an account to police on bodyworn camera in which one described the alleged victim screaming for their father to stop.
The other child, aged just four, allegedly observed Marrian kicking the mother.
Judge Magill said, “Be that so or not, there are no assaults against the children. Yes it’s concerning they saw all that, but I’m deciding on bail.”
The officer said the protection of the victim and children must be a factor, as Marrian has admitted controlling them, but Judge Magill said: “I get all that. What I am considering is what will happen at the end of the day. Bail would mean no contact whatsoever with this woman.”
A defence barrister pointed out there is still no alternative address for Marrian to reside in if bail is granted.
Judge Magill decided to adjourn the application until September 6 for an update on the case and to establish if an address has been found.
