Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend and lunging at police with knife is granted bail

A 36-year-old Londonderry woman has appeared in court accused of stabbing her boyfriend and the attempted murder of a police officer.
Londonderry Magistrates' CourtLondonderry Magistrates' Court
Londonderry Magistrates' Court

Maria Doherty, of Clon Elagh, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm and attempted murder on December 12.

Londonderry Magistrate’s Court heard Doherty is deemed to be at high risk of domestic violence from her boyfriend, who was on bail at the time of the alleged incident and is banned from having any contact with her.

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He has since been remanded in custody for breaching this condition of bail.

It is alleged that police were called to the defendant’s home address shortly after 4pm on Saturday to reports of a domestic stabbing.

Doherty was allegedly “covered in blood”.

Officers spoke to her boyfriend and he claimed that they had an argument which “escalated”.

He said that Doherty grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed him below the left eye and on the back.

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Officers entered the kitchen of the property and it is alleged the 36-year-old was holding a large kitchen knife, with a six inch blade, above her head.

The court heard she was told to drop the knife, however she continued to raise it above her head and pace backwards and forwards towards the officers.

One officer had to withdraw his firearm and another an extended baton during the incident.

It is alleged Doherty attempted to lunge towards police and she was struck on the leg with the baton, causing her to fall to the ground.

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An investigating officer said this was captured on police body worn camera.

The court was told the man received treatment to his injuries, including two stitches under his left eye and three to his back.

He told police he did not wish to make a statement of complaint and said he had sustained the injuries when he fell.

During police interview, Doherty said she had no recollection of the alleged incident and said she had issues with alcohol and is addicted to non-prescribed drugs.

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Opposing bail, the officer said police have concerns that she will not abide by bail conditions and continue her relationship with her boyfriend if they are both at liberty.

District Judge Barney McElholm released Doherty on bail subject to conditions, including a ban on any contact with her boyfriend.

She will appear in court again on January 7.