Man ‘assaulted stroke victim hours after she was released from hospital’

Stephen Ogilvie is accused of slapping the woman and splitting her partner’s lip after being asked to leave their neighbouring home.

The 37-year-old, of Avoca Street in the north of the city, denies any attack on the couple.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court to face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

But District Judge Fiona Bagnall rejected suggestions that he could be released if an alternative address is found.

Denying bail, she said: “I think there’s a strong likelihood of re-offending, and I’m very concerned about the capacity of Mr Ogilvie to comply with any conditions.”

The accused was remanded in custody, to appear again in four weeks time.