Woman ‘attacked and raped’ in alleged three-hour assault

A man allegedly attacked and raped a woman before returning to clean up her wounds, a court heard on Tuesday.
Laganside Courts, Chichester Street, Belfast. Picture: Diane MagillLaganside Courts, Chichester Street, Belfast. Picture: Diane Magill
Laganside Courts, Chichester Street, Belfast. Picture: Diane Magill

Police claimed she was subjected to a three hour-long assault, which left her with knife cuts and a broken nose.

Mariusz Macura, 38, is accused of inflicting the injuries at a house in Ballymena on March 21.

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Macura, a Polish national with an address at Patrick Place in the town, faces charges of rape, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possessing an offensive weapon.He denies any involvement in the alleged offences.

Opposing his application for bail at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, a detective argued there was a need to protect the woman.

“The injured party suffered a sustained attack over three hours,” he said. “She stated that the defendant returned to the address... to clean her wounds and make attempts to clean up the scene.”

The woman sustained black eyes, a broken nose, and cuts to both arms, it was disclosed previously.

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Police spent a number of days trying to locate him before forcing entry to his home and making the arrest.

District Judge George Conner was also told a bloodied fingerprint found at the scene of the alleged attack “100% matches the defendant”.

Defence solicitor Niall O’Neill insisted Macura has fully cooperated with the police investigation.

“He obviously denies the allegations... and there’s a triable case,” the lawyer submitted.

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Mr O’Neill also raised issues around potential delay, and questioned why police have to wait for an identification procedure with an independent witness.

Bail was refused due to the risk of further offences. Judge Conner ruled that Macura must remain in custody.