22-year-old accused of throwing hammer at ex-partner

Conor Duffy, of Magowan Park, is charged with assault, false imprisonment and possessing a hammer.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on August 18.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard that police were called to a domestic incident by neighbours.

She said she went to Duffy’s house to talk about their 13-months-old child when he assaulted her.

It is alleged Duffy slammed the door behind her and locked it.

He also allegedly put the key in his pocket to prevent her from leaving.

The woman reported that the defendant grabbed her by the hair and pulled her into the living room.

She allegedly went upstairs to the baby and Duffy followed her, grabbed her by the hair a second time and pushed her onto the bed.

The baby woke up and began screaming.

The woman claimed Duffy grabbed her by the face and shouted into her face.

She went back downstairs and the defendant allegedly pushed her against a wall before throwing a hammer at her.

The court heard claims that the hammer struck her on the leg.

It is alleged the woman went to a window and called out to neighbours for help.

The court was also told Duffy had left the property with the baby prior to police arrival. Officers were present when he returned and a hammer was found lying on the floor.

During police interivew, the defendant denied the offences.

However, he did admit he had an argument with his ex-partner.

An investigating officer said the complainant was ‘visibly upset and crying’ after the alleged incident.

The officer objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Defence solicitor, Ciaran McGuinness, said his client denies the offences and claims that the complainant came to his home in an intoxicated state.

He added Duffy told the woman he did not want her to see the child while she was drunk.

Mr. McGuinness also told the court when Duffy had taken the child and left the property he went to his ex-partner’s mother’s house.

District Judge Barney McElholm released Duffy on his own bail of £500.

As part of his bail onditions, Duffy is banned from having any contact with the alleged injured party.

The 22-year-old is also banned from entering the Waterside, except for scheduled appointments.

Duffy will appear in court again on September 22.