A Benburb man who is accused of attempting to choke and threatening to kill his ex-partner has been refused bail.
The 27-year-old’s barrister told court there was a “very serious history” between the two parties, which culminated in his client receiving a prison sentence in 2017 for offences against the alleged injured party.
Caolan Rooney, of Hillside Terrace, appeared charged with burglary with intent to commit GBH, threats to kill, attempting to choke with intent to commit an indictable offence, breach of a restraining order and threats to damage property at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
As the charges were read, court heard these offences were alleged to have been committed by the defendant on January 20.
Rooney was accused of entering as a trespasser a house on Eglish Manor in Portadown with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on a female.
He is further alleged to have attempted to choke and to have made threats to the same female that he would kill her.
Court heard that the defendant was also accused of a breaching a restraining order related to the same alleged injured party and to have threatened to damage a Volkswagen Golf belonging to her.
Appearing via videolink from police custody, Rooney confirmed that he understood the charges and was connected to the same by a constable.
Defence barrister Liam McStay made no question to the connection and informed court that bail, which was objected to, was being sought for his client.
He outlined that there was a “very serious history” between the two parties, which culminated in Rooney receiving a prison sentence in 2017 for offences against the alleged injured party.
Despite this, Mr McStay stated the pair “continued to associate” with a number of allegations being made.
The barrister pointed to a conviction in relation to the alleged injured party for perverting the course of justice after a false claim regarding his client.
Mr McStay stated his client accepted being at the alleged injured party’s home but claims to have been brought there by her after being picked up from a bar.
The barrister said it was the case of his client that the female had allegedly attacked him after an argument broke out over “Facebook correspondence”.
He claimed that injuries caused to the alleged injured party, namely abrasions to the nose and “possible” marking to the neck, came as a result of Rooney pushing her away.
District Judge Bernie Kelly interjected commenting that the markings in question were “defined” and “definite” upon being shown photographs taken by police.
Mr McStay stated he had not seen the images but commented that his client too had suffered injuries, namely a bite to the finger and bumps on his head.
He submitted that Rooney had a “fully viable defence” and a “presumption of innocence” in this case.
District Judge Kelly commented that the defendant had accepted breaching one court order in the form of a restraining order, therefore she did not believe him to be a suitable candidate for bail.
Rooney was remanded in custody as his case was adjourned until February 18 for an update.
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