Derry man charged with non-fatal strangulation on a woman released on bail

A man has been released on bail after he appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court today charged with non-fatal strangulation on a woman. 

James Kelly (37) of Rinmore Drive in Derry was charged with non-fatal strangulation on February 4.

He was also charged with the theft of items from the same woman on February 2.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He told the court that the woman had reported to police that she had been assaulted by her partner. 

She said that he had become jealous accusing her of seeing other men.

She said he demanded to know where she was and what she was doing. 

The woman said on February 2 she had been in a shop and saw Kelly across the road. 

She said he followed her home and assaulted her by pushing her to the ground.

She claimed he had taken some items she had in her shopping bag. 

The police officer said that the defendant gave contradictory accounts of what happened. 

The court heard that on February 28 police observed Kelly shouting through the letter box at the woman's address. 

Bail was opposed as police believed Kelly would not adhere to conditions. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said he had been told that the woman did not want to proceed with the case.

He said she claimed Kelly had come to the house at her invitation and then she had locked him out.

Mr Quigley said that both parties had 'issues '.

Bail was granted on condition Kelly has no contact with the woman. 

He will appear again on March 27.