Derry man charged with series of domestic abuse offences returned for trial

Aaron Thornton (38) of Dove Gardens in Derry was charged with non-fatal strangulation of a female on October 21, 2024 and the offence is aggravated by domestic abuse. He was also charged with assaulting the same female on the same date and one count of sex assault both offences aggravated by domestic abuse

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on a series of domestic abuse charges.

Aaron Thornton (38) of Dove Gardens in Derry appeared at a Preliminary Inquiry at the local Magistrates' Court today.

He was charged with non-fatal strangulation of a female on October 21, 2024 and the offence is aggravated by domestic abuse.

He was also charged with assaulting the same female on the same date and one count of sex assault both offences aggravated by domestic abuse.

It was accepted there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions.

Thornton said he did not want to call any witnesses or make any statement at this stage.

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on July 3 and released on bail.