Bail refused to man accused of rape and ‘using a claw hammer in sexual a attack’

A man accused of raping a woman in Derry and ‘using a claw hammer in a sexual attack’ against her was has been refused bail at the city’s Crown Court.

Aaron Hyland (21), whose address was given on court papers as St Katherine’s Road, Ballymurphy, Belfast, is accused of rape, grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a claw hammer.

He is also charged with threats to kill, assault on police and possession of cannabis.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place in Derry on October 3, 2014.

Hyland, who has 67 previous convictions, is currently in custody and was not present for the court ruling. .