Court told man attacked girlfriend with brush in Larne

A man allegedly attacked his girlfriend with a brush and glass candle holder before taking photos, a court heard today.
Laganside courthouseLaganside courthouse
Laganside courthouse

Police said the woman was taken to hospital after being discovered in a bloodied state at the 37-year-old accused’s home on Monday.

John Stokes, of Carneal Close in Larne, Co Antrim, faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

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Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Belfast, heard officers went to the address following a suspected domestic incident.

The alleged victim had a large area of congealed blood on the back of her head and a swollen wrist.

“She stated that the defendant had hit her on the head with the brush, and with a glass candle,” a PSNI constable said.

“She further alleged that he had taken photos of the assault on his mobile phone.”

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The woman was brought to hospital “frightened and distressed”, but examinations confirmed no fracture to her wrist.

Bail was opposed on the grounds of potential interference with a witness.

A defence lawyer argued, however, that Stokes had let the complainant stay with him after she became homeless.

“I don’t think there’s a sinister aspect to this case,” he added.

Granting bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall imposed an exclusion zone and ordered Stokes to live at another address approved by police.

Mrs Bagnall stressed: “He’s not getting into Larne.”