Derry court hears claims woman threatened to 'kick the baby' out of pregnant woman

Hannah Duddy (31) of Lisnavar Court in Derry was charged with two counts of assault, making threats, criminal damage, disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to cause actual bodily harm on July 28.

The court heard that the defendant was arrested after police were initially called to a report alleging that she had assaulted a pregnant woman and her partner.

Police were told that Duddy had allegedly threatened the couple with a knife, and it was claimed she was verbally abusive towards police while being arrested.

The court heard that Duddy had allegedly kicked in a door, lifted a knife and threatened to kill herself before threatening to kill the man.

The alleged injured party was said to have then grabbed her and walked her outside, where she allegedly kicked the door in again, hitting him in the face.

Duddy was also alleged to have punched the pregnant woman in the stomach.

Police objected to bail as Duddy had 124 previous convictions, 75 of which were deemed relevant. She also has 21 previous breaches of bail.

Police told the court that they believe that there is a clear risk of reoffending and of Duddy breaching her bail conditions.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that Duddy disputes the charges of assault and possession of an offensive weapon, adding that both the alleged injured parties 'are well known to the court'.

District Judge Suzanne Rice called the charges 'very serious', noting that Duddy is also currently on probation for similar alleged offences.

Bail was refused and she will appear again on August 20.