Derry man charged with assault and criminal damage aggravated by domestic abuse bailed

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with assault and criminal damage offences said to have been aggravated by domestic abuse. 

Niall Martin (41) of Caw Close in Derry was charged with the domestic offences that occurred on January 28 after police were called by the injured party about an ongoing domestic incident in her home.

The court heard that Martin was in the victim's flat when an argument began over Martin wanting to spend the night in her bedroom.

When she told him no, Martin pushed her twice, the second time damaging a clothes horse. There were no injuries sustained in the attack.

Police objected to bail as Martin has been deemed to be at high risk of domestic violence.

The court also heard that he has been in an on and off relationship with the injured party for three years and has 10 previous convictions, including making threats to kill against the same victim.

Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman said when applying for bail that no injuries had been sustained in the attack and pointed out that, following previous reports, the injured party refused to provide statements to police.

Bail was granted and he will appear again on February 27.