A man charged with a horrific campaign of domestic abuse lasting over a year, cannot be named as he threatened to self-harm from the “anxiety of the case becoming known”.
The accused, who is aged in his twenties is charged with intentionally applying pressure to the throat of his partner affecting her ability to breathe or the flow of blood to her brain, unlawfully and injuriously imprisoning her, assault, stalking, and engaging in abusive behaviour causing physical or psychological harm.
Offending is alleged to have occurred in Dromore, County Tyrone over numerous dates from May 2025.
A detective constable told Omagh Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
He explained on August 15 police received a call from the complainant’s sister requesting the accused be removed from the property.
On arrival he was spotted holding a large knife with which he proceeded to cut himself.
He was taken to South West Acute Hospital then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment, where he was offered a mental health assessment but declined.
Unknown to police he was discharged having been deemed fit, but was arrested a short time later.
Meanwhile the complainant told police the relationship began in May 2025 and had been largely abusive throughout.
She contended he would grab her face and neck, often choking her because he said she would enjoy it.
He was extremely controlling and consistently monitored her movements including using an App which tracked her 24/7.
The detective said every time she tried to end the relationship or go against the accused’s wishes, “He deployed tactics to emotionally control her including threatening to self-harm. The disclosures made point to severe domestic violence involving physical, emotional and sexual abuse.”
Objecting to bail the detective cited a high likelihood of reoffending and witness interference.
Defence counsel submitted bail could be granted with strict conditions, stressing the accused has addiction issues which “would not be best addressed in custody.”
He added the accused’s father was present in court and was committed to ensuring addiction treatment was secured and bail conditions were adhered to.
However following consideration District Judge Conor Heaney said, “While approaching this from the presumption of innocence, I must also balance the risks. I believe the risks are too great including reoffending and witness interference. Bail is therefore refused.
As the matter concluded the defence requested a reporting restriction as the accused had threatened to self-harm from the “anxiety of the case becoming known”.
This was opposed by Press who argued the remand in custody immediately negated risk and a SPAR-Evo procedure could be activated immediately on arrival.
There is also no power or mechanism to keep the accused anonymous in the prison setting.
It was pointed out he was offered a mental health assessment at the Royal Victoria Hospital which he declined and was deemed fit for discharge with medical staff seeing no reason to have him detained under the Mental Health Order.
Press also submitted the charges against the accused encompass coercive control and he had used emotional blackmail tactics on his partner in the past, including threatening to self-harm.
As such it appeared that exertion of control was now transferring to the courts and Press.
The defence contended the accused is already vulnerable and “the anxiety of his name and the charges being published would be severe.”
District Judge Conor Heaney granted the reporting ban on an interim basis to be reviewed on September 2, when Press are to mount a challenge.
