Derry Court: Man charged with assaulting a female bailed for domestic violence

A man has been released on bail at Derry Magistrate's Court on condition he does not reside within 50 miles of the Guildhall.

Ryan Tracey (32) of Top of the Hill in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a female on March 10 he was also charged with assaulting the same woman on February 22 as well as threatening to damage property on the same date.

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

The court heard that police were told that the alleged injured party said on February 22 she had gone to Tracey's sister house and brought with her his dog and 12 pups.

She said he had approached her aggressively and kicked the dog. 

It was alleged he said he would put her windows in. 

On March 10 police received a 999 call from the same female claiming she had been assaulted by the defendant. 

She appeared 'visibly shaken and distressed' and said Tracey had grabbed her by the front of her hair.

At interview Tracey denied kicking the dog and said he was annoyed the female had brought the dog and pups out. 

He claimed he had not been drinking for a period of months and then had a drink with the female and then she had become 'nasty'.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and interference with witnesses.

A police officer said that the defendant was a 'serial perpetrator' of domestic violence.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client was denying the charges. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said he would grant bail on condition that Tracey reside at an address approved by the PSNI that was not within 50 miles of the Guildhall. 

He is also to observe a curfew and wear a tag. 

He will appear again on April 6.