Bail has been refused for the partner of a heavily pregnant woman charged with attacking her and attempting to destroy the unborn baby.
The application had been adjourned from Monday to establish if the woman intended to make a statement which she now has.
Ryan Dobson (26) from Feegarran Road, Cookstown is charged with strangling the , assaulting her causing actual bodily harm, and attempting to cause the unborn baby to die.
Related: Man accused of strangling heavily pregnant partner and attempting to destroy unborn baby
A detective constable previously told Dungannon Magistrates Court that at around 4.30am on 13 July the woman contacted police stating she was 35 weeks pregnant and had been assaulted by Dobson.
She said a few hours beforehand she had found messages on his phone indicating he had been contacting escorts.
On confronting him he became “irate”, dragging her to the floor by her hair, repeatedly kicked to the head then the stomach, before being grabbed her by the throat leaving her struggling to breathe.
She showed officers images of swelling and bruising to her cheek and eyes and marks to her throat
There was also blood about the bedroom where the alleged assault occurred.
The woman was admitted to hospital for abdominal trauma and is waiting results around any potential damage to the unborn baby.
In addition she was treated for a suspected broken jaw given the extent of swelling to her face.
Dobson was arrested and during interview provided a pre-prepared statement contending, “I am innocent. I was asleep when (partner) hit me. She saw something on my phone. I certainly didn’t hit her. I certainly didn’t try to harm my unborn baby. I do not want to make a statement against her. She is a good person.”
Thereafter he answered “no comment” to all questions.
The woman has not yet provided a statement but her verbal account was captured on bodyworn cameras.
Objecting to bail the detective confirmed there are no previous domestic abuse reports about Dobson, but concerns remain around the woman’s sustaining a serious blow to the stomach in the advanced stages of pregnancy, resulting in her being admitted to hospital in case of complications. More bruising and swelling has continued to come out which shows the force used on the vulnerable female.”
He added Dobson could give no explanation for the injuries apart from saying that he did not cause them.
“Police feel there is a risk of further offending towards the woman and her unborn child as well as potential interference, said the detective.
“We are concerned no previous incidents shows the woman has not reported these, or of this is the first, it’s extremely serious.”
The detective stressed, “This woman remains in hospital. She has been through huge trauma and hasn’t had time to think about a statement. Police feel if the defendant is released there will be pressure put on her not to engage further.”
A defence solicitor accepted a bail application was difficult but pointed to no statement of complaint, however Dobson, “Will accept any conditions the court may impose. He knows he obviously won’t be present at the birth but if bailed, arrangements could be made through Social Services to allow him to see the newborn child.”
District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked, “All of this depends on whether the complainant makes a statement or not.”
He decided to adjourn the application for bail until police have ascertained the views of the woman as, “The case is heavily reliant on that. We might have bodyworn footage but often that is not up to standard.”
The judge decided to adjourn the bail application to establish if the woman intended to make a statement and on return today (Friday) it was confirmed she has.
The defence conceded this changed the situated but nonetheless bail was still sought as the charges are denied “in the strongest possible terms”.
However Judge Ranaghan replied, “These are very serious allegations. I also now have photographs which were not available to me on the last occasion. I now have no faith in this man going forward. If he misses the birth of his child that is ultimately his lookout and no-one else’s.”
Dobson will appear again by video-link on 13 August.
