A 26-year-old man has appeared in Craigavon Magistrates’ Court accused of having injected his “vulnerable” girlfriend with cocaine against her will.
Jordan Hamilton Connor – who provided an address in Rosapenna Street, Belfast but also advised the court he has been “homeless” – is facing a single charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his girlfriend.
The instructing police constable advised the court he could connect the defendant to the charges.
Outlining the facts of the case, the prosecution explained that on April 25, 2026 police on patrol were flagged down by the injured party.
She alleged that the defendant – her boyfriend – had injected her with cocaine against her wishes and without her consent at her home address.
The court heard that the injured party was able to show police “track marks” and bruising to both arms which police then photographed and captured on body worn video.
The court were advised that the injured party is classified as a “vulnerable” adult and would need assistance from a registered intermediary. The prosecution stated that she is prepared to make a statement but has not done so at this present time.
Police objected to bail as there was no fixed address for the defendant, and that they believed there is a likelihood of further offending and that he could return to the alleged injured party.
The constable advised of a poor bail history including five previous breaches of bail four of which were alcohol related and a bail address withdrawn in 2023.
A previous “relevant” criminal record was also outlined before the court, however, it was indicated that while there are seven previous domestic matters with a previous partner it is not believed this current matter is aggravated by reason of domestic violence.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan asked: “This is some two days past of the alleged injection of cocaine until the victim reports it. Were any blood samples taken from the victim?”
The constable indicated he was not aware of any samples having been taken.
Seeking bail to an address to be approved by police, Connor’s defence counsel, Ms O’Neill explained: “Mr Connor has been living essentially homeless for a significant period of time. He has no family support. He instructs me that he has been sleeping rough for a period of six months before he met the injured party. That was on New Year’s Eve.
“Only last Friday she has secured a flat and the two of them had moved into it together. He tells me he was helping her to get that flat together but that over the weekend he was subjected to an assault by her and that he subsequently left the flat and this allegation has been made. He would say it is a malicious allegation.”
Counsel accepted the severity of the allegations but stated that Connor denies it.
Ms O’Neill added: “He’s a young man. He has his own difficulties. He does suffer with alcohol-related matters and mental health.”
The court heard that he is not currently availing of support services in regards to those issues but has self-referred to Extern and is waiting response.
In regards to a bail application counsel said that Connor had no family or friends that could “take him” so it was likely an application would be made in due course to hostel accommodation.
Judge Ranaghan said: “I will grant bail today Mr Connor… there is a lot I don’t know about this case. I don’t even know if the complainant was examined to see if there were any drugs in her system etc albeit two days after the alleged incident. I don’t know her criminal record potentially for any drugs. This case will not be without its difficulties.”
Connor was granted bail with the conditions that he cannot have contact with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly; he cannot consume or possess any controlled substance save for prescribed medication; cannot consume or possess alcohol in a public place and an exclusion zone was also granted to avoid the complainant’s address in Dunmurry.
The defendant will be released on his own court bail of £300 when a suitable address is found.
He was remanded back into custody in the interim and the matter was listed to return to court on May 15.
