Man accused of assaulting woman ‘like he was possessed’

Patrick Toland, of Lower Nassau Street, is charged with burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault.

The 45-year-old is further charged with causing damage to a mobile phone and a cup.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on July 18.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations that police were called to an address in the city to reports of a domestic assault.

The complainant alleged that the defendant entered her bedroom in the early hours of the morning and accused her of going out with other men.

It is further alleged he called her a slut and a number of other derogatory names before ripping off her bra.

The court heard allegations that Toland threw a ceramic cup at the woman, causing it to smash against her back.

It was further claimed the 45-year-old came at the woman ‘like he was possessed’ and bit her finger.

He also allegedly threw her mobile phone down a set of stairs and jumped on it, smashing it.

The woman told police she had ended her relationship with Toland a month ago and he did not have permission to enter her home.

An investigating officer said the complainant has withdrawn her statement, however her initial statement was recorded on police body worn camera.

He added that police also have photographs of injuries and the damage caused.

Opposing bail, the officer told the court Toland has 56 previous convictions and there is a domestic violence history.

He said police have concerns about interference with the complainant, as the proposed bail address is approximately one mile away from her home, and concerns about further offences.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said the couple had been in a relationship for ten years and on the date of the alleged offence had attended a funeral and a party together.

He said his client was invited to follow the woman home after the party and there are ‘a number of individuals at the party who will corroborate this’.

The barrister told the court Toland has not committed any offences for the last three years and the last entry on the domestic violence register is a ‘considerable’ time ago.

District Judge Mark McGarrity considered all the submissions and refused bail.

He said there is a risk of further offences which cannot be managed by the imposition of strict bail conditions.

Toland was remanded in custody to appear in court again via videolink on August 7.