Enniskillen Court House, RMGFH03
A MAN who allegedly assaulted his sister, hitting her until she passed out, has been admitted to bail on the condition he stays out of Fermanagh.
Michael Murray (29) of Ann Street, Enniskillen appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday via video link from prison on Wednesday to apply for bail. The court was told police had objections to bail based on the nature of the alleged offence.
At approximately 2am on July 27 police were called to what they believed to be a domestic incident after their received a report of a woman screaming at a home in Enniskillen. When they arrived at the property they observed the defendant’s sister had bruising to her face and arms and was visibly upset.
The woman, who was then admitted to hospital for her injuries and required a CT scan, told the officers her brother had hit her so many times she passed out. She also told the officers Murray had stolen her phone, house keys, bank card, and cash, coming to a value o £190, from her.
When Murray was then apprehended by police he became verbally abusive and spat at them. His sister’s phone was later found at this home. He denied stealing it, telling them he had bought it at the CEX shop. When it was put to him he had assaulted his sister, Murray made no comment.
During his bail hearing last Wednesday, police voiced their concerns that Murray’s sister was vulnerable. They added there had been previous incidents, but she had subsequently withdrawn her statements. Police added that, as they have no other family in the area and that Murray may return to his sister’s home if released.
They also pointed out it had been a neighbour who had called police, not Murray’s sister, and that the injured party had received two letters from the defendant asking her to withdraw her statement, but she had refused to make a statement regarding these letters.
The court was told Murray, who had previously been denied bail, had now been given an address at a hostel in Larne, and police said if he was released to there strict conditions would have to be put in place.
Defence barrister Stefan Rafferty said the address should be adequate as it was a significant distance from Enniskillen, and explained the letters referred to were in response to contact made by Murray’s sister. He added Murray had initiated no contact with her, but she had got in touch regarding his nephew and he had responded to say he could not help as he was in custody as a result of a complaint made by her.
Admitting Murray to his own bail of £500, Judge Broderick ordered him to stay out of Fermanagh except to attend court or by prior appointment with his solicitor, to have no direct or indirect contact with this sister, to report to police if she contacts him, and put him under curfew from 10pm-8am.
He adjourned the case until September 12.
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