A man who is accused of assaulting a female leaving her with injuries including a bloody nose and a cut lip has been granted bail.
Agreeing to the application, the district judge warned: “If he comes before me for breaching any of the conditions, he will not get bail again. I don’t care when it is listed for contest.”
Kevin Barry Grimley, of no fixed abode, did not appear as his case was listed for a bail application at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The defendant is charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, criminal damage, false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Objecting to bail, a constable stated that there was a fear of further offences being committed and interference with the alleged injured party.
She told court that the alleged injured party was a “high risk” victim of domestic violence, with her having withdrawn 12 previous statements of complaint since November of 2018.
When questioned by District Judge Bernie Kelly, prosecution revealed that the alleged injured party had been left with a bloody nose, bruising and a cut to her lip.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter told court that the address which had been put forward was with a friend of Grimley, in Newry.
He stated: “I feel that the fact it is in Newry can assuage the fears of the police and the court, along with a number of conditions.
“He has served the equivalent of a five month sentence….these charges will be contested and it is likely to be August or September, at least, before a contest is met.”
District Judge Kelly commented: “This is a very difficult application, bearing in mind the court has a duty to protect everybody, but especially in cases of domestic violence.
“However, there had been numerous complaints in the past, none of which had resulted in a criminal conviction.”
At this point, it was pointed out that one criminal damage entry on his record related to the same alleged injured party.
Releasing Grimley on bail, District Judge Kelly warned: “If he comes before me for breaching any of the conditions, he will not get bail again. I don’t care when it is listed for contest.”
The defendant was granted his own bail of £250, with conditions including; an 8pm to 6am curfew, an electronic tag, not to leave the 40mph zone of Newry, not to travel in the front of a private motor vehicle, not to have possession or access to any mobile or sim card, no contact with the allege injured party and a ban an alcohol.
The case was then adjourned until June 8 for an update.
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