Derry man described as a danger 'to any female he is in a relationship with' remanded

A man convicted of a 2005 manslaughter charge, has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with assaulting a female. 

Gareth Wray (46) of Rockmills in Derry appeared charged with assaulting his partner on April 28 and the offence is aggravated by domestic abuse. 

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

The court heard that police received a 999 call from the alleged victim alleging Wray had gone to the bridge.

Police could hear 'shouting and swearing' in the background and asked the caller if she was okay and she said no.

Police attended and the woman said Wray had kicked her in the chest and spat on her face.

Bail was objected to on the grounds that Wray has 40 previous convictions one of them for manslaughter. 

He also has convictions for assaulting a previous partner and police view him as being a danger 'to any female he is in a relationship with'.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the woman wanted Wray back home and was unlikely to make a statement. 

He said Wray admitted there had been a verbal argument and claimed both the woman and Wray were under the influence of drugs.

District Judge Ted Magill said that it was 'inevitable' if released on bail this couple would get back together and 'we will be facing the same thing in a matter of weeks if not something more serious'.

Bail was refused and Wray was remanded in custody to appear again on May 22.