Man facing series of domestic abuse charges against former partner charged with breaching bail

A man charged with a series of domestic abuse offences against his former partner has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with breaching his bail.

Michael Murray (38) of St Canice's Park was charged with breaching his bail by being intoxicated after he phoned police.

A police officer told the court that Murray was charged following an incident on December 11 when a council worker was flagged down by a woman who told him she had been assaulted by her former partner, Murray. 

She said that after Murray had been 'kicked out' of his family home she had allowed him to stay in a spare room despite there being a Restraining Order in place.

She said that he had been drinking and had stopped taking his medication and an argument had started about text messages. 

She said Murray had been abusive to her and told her to kill herself saying 'the kids don't need you.'

The woman alleged he slapped her, stamped on her mobile phone and smeared blood on her face. 

A police officer said that the woman also claimed that the defendant had prevented her leaving the house before she managed to escape. 

Murray appeared in court last Saturday and was released on bail with a condition he does not take alcohol. 

The court heard that Murray was 'highly intoxicated' when he came into contact with police and was arrested. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that there was no suggestion of any further offending. 

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said that because there had been no new offences he would grant him bail again.

Murray will appear again on January 3.