Derry Court: Bail for man who assaulted his partner, providing he does not enter Derry

A man charged with assaulting his partner has been released on bail providing he does not enter Derry.

Alan Hanley (37) of no fixed abode appeared charged with assaulting a female on May 12 with the offence aggravated by domestic abuse.

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

He told the court that police were called to a report of a female wanting her partner removed from her property. 

The woman said she was currently locked in the bathroom.

When police found the woman she had 'visible injuries' including blood on her face and on her foot.

The woman told police she had had a 'verbal altercation' with the accused and had asked him to leave.

He had thrown a bottle at her and then stamped on her foot.

The defendant was arrested nearby and the police officer said such was his behaviour in custody he was charged at the cell door and responded 'f--k off you Paki b-----d.'

Bail was opposed due to the general risk of re-offending and the fact that Hanley has 88 previous convictions. 

The officer said that there was a risk the defendant would go back to the domestic setting. 

Defence counsel Liam McStay asked had there been a statement taken from the alleged victim and was told there was bodyworn footage. 

The barrister said it would be of 'some comfort' to know that the defendant had been offered an address in Belfast.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Brown said there was clearly was 'a toxic relationship' between the couple.

He released Hanley on bail to an address approved by the PSNI, ordered him not to enter Derry except for necessary court appearances and to have to contact with the alleged injured party in the case. 

He will appear again on June 12.