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22 Oct 2025
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22 Oct 2025
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Derry Magistrate's Court
A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates Court charged with harassment of his former partner.
Aaron Donnelly (29) of Grainan Drive in Derry had been reported to police by his former partner for breaking his bail conditions.
The court heard that police were told the victim had allegedly received a phone call from Donnelly's mother and heard Donnelly in the background.
He reportedly told her that she 'had to be there' for him as he was facing a charge of rape.
Donnelly then asked the victim to call him, giving her his new phone number, and when she did he pleaded with her to take him back.
When she refused Donnelly was said to have made threats if she would ever be with another man.
Later the court heard, Donnelly met the victim on the roof of a car park and asked her to get into the car so that they would not be seen.
Upon getting into the car, Donnelly allegedly grabbed her by the thigh, only to have her push him away.
He was then said to have pleaded with her not to partake in a video interview with police as he couldn't face jail.
When interviewed by police, Donnelly denied the allegations.
Police objected to bail as they believe he is likely to commit further offences, telling the court that Donnelly had a number of previous allegations with the same victim.
The court heard from a police officer that Donnelly is a 'serial perpetrator', with similar histories with three different partners. He also has a history of interfering with witnesses and had 11 previous convictions, including kidnapping and a number of serious assaults.
The prosecution said that Donnelly had also displayed 'concerning, controlling behaviour' and said that the victim would be at risk if he were to be released.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley told the court that Donnelly 'spoke freely' during his police interview, telling the court that, if they looked at the victim's phone, they would find 'a number of contradictions' relating to the allegations against him.
He added that Donnelly had a 'good work record' and was 'currently in employment'.
District Judge Barney McElhom said that Donnelly had a 'very, very relevant record', adding that there was a 'very real risk of further offences' and he refused bail.
He will appear again on July 4.
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