A TEENAGER has been remanded in custody after allegedly attacking a female with a bill hook causing grievous bodily harm, in what was described by a judge as “a dark, disturbing” incident

Appearing before East Tyrone Magistrates Court was Michael McDonagh (18) from Drumawill Gardens, Enniskillen who is accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to the woman on May 12 as well as possessing an offensive weapon namely a bill-hook with intent to commit assault. 

Police under oath confirmed the charges could be connected. 

Objecting to bail, the officer explained police received a report at around 4.30am on the day in question, to say a female had been assaulted. On arrival at the scene the victim was visibly upset and due to the extent of her injuries was taken to hospital for treatment.

She provided a detailed account of what had occurred explaining she had been asleep in bed when her boyfriend, McDonagh awoke and accused her of cheating on him.

 He grabbed her by the hair and banged her head off a wall. He then took hold of a wooden stick, with a spike on the end which police believe was a bill-hook, and struck her several times. 

The female was also kicked very hard in the back. 

After being medically examined the victim was found to have a fractured wrist and bruising to her back and arms. The victim further disclosed on a previous occasion McDonagh had punched her to the face causing bruising.

Police conducted a search for McDonagh and attended at his home. They were permitted entry to the house by his mother and found him hiding under a bed. There was no sign of the weapon. 

He was arrested and while in custody made a largely no comment replies to questions and then remained silent refusing to confirm or deny allegations pout to him. 

In court police were opposed to bail on the grounds of a history of domestic violence and potential interference with witnesses. 

However a defence barrister contended bail should be granted as there will be “evidential difficulties” in the case. 

But District Judge John Meehan rejected this stating, “This is one of those dark, disturbing social situations. There are reasonable grounds to suspect a very serious domestic assault took place and the injured party is vulnerable. The courts are trying to better the rate of prosecutions in cases of domestic violence and it is important the relevant agencies are given the opportunity to address the matter. It comes down to a situation of if she (the injured party) will turn up. That is so distasteful.” 

McDonagh was remanded in custody to appear by videolink at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on a date to be fixed.