Dan Marrian, a 37-year-old resident of Rockdale Road, Cookstown, is facing charges of causing physical harm and making threats to kill the alleged victim on September 1st.
It is additionally claimed that he participated in a pattern of abusive conduct to inflict physical or psychological injury in the weeks leading up to the attack.
A police officer informed Omagh Magistrates’ Court that the charges may be linked.
According to Dan Marrian, the police were notified when the supposed victim came to a neighbour’s residence in a very agitated condition, claiming that her spouse had physically attacked her.
According to her, Dan Marrian exhibited violent behaviour after drinking alcohol, repeatedly striking her in the face and kicking her legs.
The officers observed erythema on her face and swelling on her forehead, which was a pre-existing condition unrelated to any physical attack.
The couple’s two young children observed the claimed occurrence, causing them great distress.
She revealed that Marrian gradually reduced her communication with family and friends.
He was arrested and, during an interview, claimed the victim “had been screaming at him, and he asked her politely not to speak to her family as they give him trouble and she only does it to upset him”.
Dan Marrian denied any assault and, when asked about the marks on her face, replied, “She could have done it to herself”.
Dan Marrian denied threatening to kill her and insisted he wanted nothing more to do with her.
Objecting to bail, the officer said: “There has been a significant update in terms of the victim’s injuries in this very concerning incident. She was advised to attend hospital for treatment at the time but refused as she didn’t want to leave her children given their distress.”
District Judge Peter Magill remarked: “She was advised the injuries may be more serious, but that’s not the case.”
However, the officer said the victim had been taking painkillers since the incident, but “unfortunately, today (Tuesday), she was found collapsed in the house. Police had to force entry, and she was taken to hospital. It transpires she has a massive haematoma to her forehead.”
The judge replied: “I was told that was an existing matter.”
The officer continued: “It was, but I don’t know how that caused fresh bruising. There’s also a suspected skull fracture, fractured ribs, significant bruising behind her ear and to her back and legs.”
“That may be so, but this man has a clear record,” said Judge Magill.
He was informed there are previous domestic reports involving the defendant. However, none reached court, and the accused is also under investigation for a serious assault against a member of the alleged victim’s family.
Concerns were also expressed for the young children who gave an account to police on body-worn cameras in which one described the alleged victim screaming for their father to stop.
The other child, aged just four, allegedly observed Dan Marrian kicking the mother.
Still stuck in the last century, Judge Magill said, “Be that so or not, there are no assaults against the children. Yes, it’s concerning that they saw all that, but I’m deciding on bail.”
The officer said the protection of the victim and children must be a factor, as Dan Marrian has admitted controlling them, but Judge Magill said: “I get all that. I am considering what will happen at the end of the day. Bail would mean no contact whatsoever with this woman.”
A defence barrister pointed out there is still no alternative address for Dan Marrian to reside in if bail is granted.
Judge Magill decided to adjourn the application until September 6 for an update on the case and to establish if an address had been found.
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