A man who allegedly hit his children’s mother on the head with a glass picture while she held their 16 month-old has had his bail application granted but must notify police of the details of any relationship that he enters, “no matter how casual”, said a judge on Friday.
Niall John Mallon, 31, of Lagan View, Donaghcloney appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court via video link from Maghaberry on Friday charged with criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, resisting police, two counts of assault on police, burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The alleged offence took place on November 2, last year, it is claimed that the defendant punched the injured party in the face repeatedly until she was on the floor.
He was then alleged to have struck her with a glass picture frame before throwing their 16 month-old child onto a sofa.
The prosecution objected to Mallon’s first bail hearing as he had a previous history of assault, breach of a non-molestation order and interference with witnesses.
A constable on that occasion told the court that the defendant and injured party have two children together who were aged seven weeks and 16 months at the time.
He added that the victim also had two other young children that lived with her.
Due to “the nature of the allegation” it was claimed by the constable the children’s safety was at risk.
Court also heard at the original hearing that this had been the first reported incident between these two parties, but Mallon had a history domestic violence.
He had domestic cases brought against him from three different injured parties.
Defence counsel on Friday stated that this was the defendant’s first bail application despite being in custody since February 2.
District Judge Bernie Kelly warned the defence “if I release him on bail I do not want any applications for amendments”.
Mallon was told that he must have no contact with the injured party or any of her children with Judge Kelly adding, “I do not care if they are his own”.
This included social media, Judge Kelly informed the defendant that any comment which the injured party claimed referred to her would see him back in prison.
Mallon was also not to go any further North than Waringsford, given a curfew between 7 pm and 6 am and to report to Banbridge police station twice a week.
Finally, Judge Kelly also told the defendant that if he entered into a relationship, “no matter how casual”, he would have to notify police of their details immediately.
A decision on the case is expected on May 18.
