AN ENNISKILLEN man who fled police after allegedly assaulting his partner did so he could go to a soccer match in England, his barrister has said.
Mark Sheridan (23) of Ann Street, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, via video link from Maghaberry Prison, for a bail application which was refused. Sheridan, who has 101 previous convictions, is on remand on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, resisting police, criminal damage, and common assault.
The allegations relate to three different dates between March 27th and April 1st this year. The first alleged incident is said to have happened at Curry’s carpark in Enniskillen when the couple fell out. His now ex-partner told police she walked away and he followed. She claimed he continued to follow her and then kicked her in the leg, bringing her to the ground. The court was told there were witnesses to the alleged assault.
Sheridan is accused of assault causing actual bodily harm in relation to an incident on March 31st, when his partner called to his house. The pair spoke briefly, then the woman went to her car. Sheridan is alleged to have followed her into the car and told her to drive, which she refused. She told police he then grabbed her by the neck.
She said she was unable to breathe and thought she was going to die. She had marks on her neck afterwards and found it difficult to swallow.
When police later called to Sheridan’s home he was evasive. When the officers were in the house he asked them if he could go to the toilet. Once in the bathroom, Sheridan climbed out the window and fled.
At his bail hearing on Monday, defence solicitor Ciaran Roddy said Sheridan had got tickets to a football match before the alleged incidents and knew if he was arrested he would not be able to go to it.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he believed the football match explanation was “stupid” and denied Sheridan bail on the grounds he was at risk or fleeing, reoffending or interfering with witnesses. The case was adjourned until July 8th.
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