Derry man charged with repeatedly punching pregnant woman in the stomach
Dylan Hemple (28) of Bond's Hill in Derry appeared charged with two counts of assaulting a female on April 13 and the charges were aggravated by domestic abuse
A pregnant woman said she was punched repeatedly in the stomach by her partner, Derry Magistrate's Court has heard.
Dylan Hemple (28) of Bond's Hill in Derry appeared charged with two counts of assaulting a female on April 13 and the charges were aggravated by domestic abuse.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
The court heard that police received a 999 call from 'an upset female' and attended and found the defendant and the alleged victim together.
They brought the defendant to his address to separate them but then they were called and told the woman was outside the defendant's address shouting.
When police arrived the woman told them that the defendant had 'punched her in the stomach multiple times' and that she was six weeks pregnant.
She also alleged that Hemple had grabbed her by the neck and throat and also bit her neck.
After being arrested Hemple made a mostly no comment interview.
He accepted that he knew the woman was pregnant.
Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and an officer said there was 'a growing domestic record' involving the pair.
She said that there were currently three investigations involving the same alleged victim.
Defence counsel Stephen McNickle said that the defendant was not from Derry and was due to get accommodation in Coleraine.
He said that this was 'an acrimonious relationship' between the two of them.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that the alleged victim was 'very vulnerable due to the pregnancy.'
He said if the address in Coleraine had been available it might have made a difference.
The bail application was adjourned until April 22.