31-year-old banned from entering Derry

A man accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend has been banned from entering Derry as part of his bail conditions.

Damien McGuinness, of Mill Road, Newtownabbey, is charged with a total of 11 offences allegedly committed between March and April this year.

They include common assault, threat to kill, criminal damage and driving offences.

Derry Magistrate’s Court previously heard allegations that he had arrived at his ex-girlfriend’s house, kicked the door and left. Police stopped McGuinness driving along Academy Road and he was arrested for driving whilst disqualified and having no insurance.

The complainant made further allegations of a number of domestic incidents, including assaults.

During police interview, McGuinness denied the allegations and claimed they were all made up to get him put in jail.

Police opposed bail for fear of further offences.

Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said his client has served the equivalent of a five month sentence and there will be further delays as the case is going to the Crown Court.

He added that the proposed bail address is over 70 miles away from the alleged injured party.

District Judge Ted Magill granted bail subject to a number of conditions, including a prohibition on the 31-year-old entering Derry.

McGuinness is also banned from having any contact with the complainant and must abide by a curfew.