Derry Court: Remand for man who assaulted his former partner in Richmond Centre

A man accused of assaulting his former partner in the Richmond Centre has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Eamonn Begley (29) of King's Lane in Ballykelly was charged with assault on a female on April 3 and the offence is aggravated by domestic abuse.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge and opposed bail.

The court heard that the alleged victim was sitting at a cafe in the Richmond Centre when Begley approached her.

He was said to have pushed her hair causing her to fall and then later pinched her cheek.

Police examined CCTV and it did appear to show the defendant approaching and pushing her chair.

Later the woman could be seen following the defendant through the centre and he was seen pushing her.

When interviewed Begley admitted pushing the chair but said she fell because she was 'off her head'.

He claimed the woman had been harassing him.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending with the defendant having more than 30 previous convictions.

Defence counsel Dean Mooney said that the behaviour was 'deplorable'.

He said that the incident occurred after words were exchanged and accepted his client had pushed the chair.

Bail was refused and Begley was remanded in custody to appear again on May. 1.