Belfast man spat in face of mother and pet dog, court is told

A Belfast man allegedly struck his mother with a dog lead and spat in her face, a court heard.
Laganside CourthouseLaganside Courthouse
Laganside Courthouse

Pearce McCullough also spat in the pet animal’s face during a drink and drug-fuelled outburst, it was claimed.

The 38-year-old, of Lagmore Avenue in the Dunmurry area, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on charges of common assault and breaching a non-molestation order.

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He faces further counts of attempted criminal damage and threats to damage property over the incident on June 27.

His mother told police he had arrived at her home on Hill Street under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

She claimed he was verbally abusive, threatening to smash a coffee table and television before throwing her phone across the room.

Referring to the alleged assault, a PSNI constable said: “Pearce McCullough then picked up a dog lead and harness and swung it around, causing (his mother) to sustain a small cut to the forehead as a result.

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“He then spat in the small dog’s face and spat in (his mother’s) face.”

According to police McCullough picked up the pet - a Miniature Schnauzer - and left the property. He was located and arrested two days later.

Opposing bail, the constable expressed concerns he may interfere with the only witness in the case - his mother.

“It’s likely that he will seek to have further contact with her,” the officer contended.

A defence solicitor confirmed the charges are denied.

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Disputing the alleged breach of the non-molestation order, the lawyer said his client’s mother had asked him to come and stay with her.

McCullough was granted bail to live at an address approved by police.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall imposed an exclusion zone and banned him from contacting his mother.