County Derry man charged with number of offences against former partner

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with a number of offences against his former partner.

Ian McGuinness (31) of Fairlea Heights in Moneymore, Magherafelt, was charged with, on January 27, stealing his former partner's car, assaulting her, trespassing on her property with intent to steal, attempted criminal damage of her door, damaging her mobile phone and using her car without permission.

He was also charged with, on December 12 last year, assaulting his former partner and damaging her phone.

Police initially responded to a report that McGuinness had gone to his former partner's address and began shouting abuse at her in front of their two children. He was then said to have proceeded to push her and steal her phone.

McGuinness was then alleged to have pinned her against the kitchen counter until she used a potato masher to distract him.

On another occasion the court heard that when McGuinness returned to the address, he was refused entry and subsequently he attempted to break down the door.

The officer told the court that when his former partner opened the window on the latch to speak to him, he climbed in and allegedly smashed her phone, grabbed her by the hair until she managed to escape and call a neighbour.

The court heard that McGuinness had a 'limited record' and no previous bail breaches and Defence Barrister Liam McStay said that there was 'no history' between the parties.

District Judge Barney McElhom granted bail to an address approved by police on the condition that he have no contact with the victim and that any contact with his children be made via social services.

He will appear again on February 14.