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Man allegedly assaulted heavily pregnant nurse at Craigavon Hospital

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A Co Armagh man who  allegedly assaulted a heavily pregnant nurse at Craigavon Area Hospital breached his bail conditions within two days, a court has heard.

Christopher McDaid, 27, of Dill Avenue, Craigavon appeared before Magistrates’ Court on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry prison in the hope of making bail.

He currently faces charges, which include indecent exposure, disorderly behaviour, assault on police, two counts of criminal damage, common assault and exposure.

These charges related to an offence which occurred at Craigavon Area Hospital on March 17.

Court heard that in relation to the charges for the incident at the hospital, McDaid had been granted bail but just two days later had breached the conditions imposed.

He also faces further charges of resisting and assault on police following his re-arrest for breach of bail on April 6.

On hearing the list of charges, District Judge Bernie Kelly, who was overseeing the bail application, said: “This does not give me much hope”.

Defence counsel argued that McDaid was not a prolific offender, with one previous charge for disorderly behaviour, which dated back to 2011.

Adding that at the end of last year the defendant had slumped into depression and turned to alcohol.

Court also heard that McDaid fully respected those in the health profession with family members, including his mother, working at Craigavon Hospital, where the original incident took place.

Judge Kelly read through the charges presented to her by the prosecution, which outlined that the injured party in relation to the common assault charge was a staff nurse who was eight months pregnant.

“He’s hit the jackpot,” judge Kelly stated.

The bail application was adjourned until April 20 as the prosecution service awaits a full file from police.

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