Derry man accused of being 'controlling' over his partner remanded
Caolan Roberts (24) of Greenwalk in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a female between February 2 and 4 and a charge of engaging in a course of action that constituted domestic abuse
A man who was accused of being 'controlling' over his partner has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today.
Caolan Roberts (24) of Greenwalk in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a female between February 2 and 4 and a charge of engaging in a course of action that constituted domestic abuse.
A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.
She told the court that a third party reported to police that Roberts' partner had sent her a photo of injuries she claimed had been caused by Roberts.
Police attended and the alleged victim was 'very distressed' and claimed Roberts had been controlling and she indicated injuries to her face.
She said the defendant would tell her what to wear and would not let her sleep.
Roberts was not present at the time but at 12.46am on February 4 police received a call from the female's phone.
They attended and found Roberts there and he denied having assaulted the woman.
Friends of the woman claimed there had been 'a deterioration in the mental and physical health' since she had been in a relationship with Roberts.
At interview Roberts denied assaulting the woman and said she had made 'false allegations' against him.
Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the officer said there was a domestic history between the pair.
She said if released police believed Roberts would resume the relationship and try and influence the woman.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that there were a number of issues in the case not least the fact there were 'inconsistencies' in the woman's story when the defendant was consistent throughout and spoke freely to police.
He said that while he recognised the court's duty was to protect the alleged victim Roberts could be managed on bail.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that it appeared Roberts had engaged in 'a violent and controlling' course of action and 'did not deserve to be at liberty'.
He refused bail and said he might consider bail to an address 'some 40 or 50 miles outside the city'.
Roberts was remanded in custody to appear again on February 29.