Man with 104 convictions remanded in Derry Court on non-fatal strangulation charge

A man with 104 previous convictions has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with non-fatal strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a female.

Dylan Lockhart (30) of no fixed abode appeared facing the two charges which were said to have occurred on October 26.

The court was told that Lockhart is currently on licence from the Crown Court and a decision on revoking that will be made on October 28.

The court heard that police received a dropped 999 call in which a female could be heard whispering 'help'.

Police traced the phone and went to an address where they found Lockhart and a female covered in blood.

The defendant told police the woman 'suffered from psychosis' and need help.

Police were told that an argument had started between the pair and Lockhart was alleged to have pushed the woman to the ground then into a corner where the woman in what she claimed was self defence head butted him.

Lockhart was then said to have forced the woman to strike herself before placing his hands around her throat and squeezing.

The court heard that the woman had marks on her neck and 'significant bruising ' to her eyes and arms.

At interview Lockhart claimed the woman had hit herself as well as breaking a plate over her own head.

The officer said Lockhart was currently on licence and had 104 previous convictions and he didn't believe he could be managed by conditions.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that the woman was 'highly intoxicated'.

She said Lockhart could be managed with conditions.

District Judge Suzanne Rice said these were 'very serious offences' including what was 'a very recent relationship'.

She said the woman was 'a vulnerable individual' and she had no confidence Lockhart would abide by conditions.

Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded in custody to appear again on November 19.