Derry man accused of non-fatal strangulation and ABH assault on female remanded in custody

Dylan Lockhart (30) of no fixed abode appeared facing the two charges which were said to have occurred on October 26.

Derry Magistrates’ Court was told that Lockhart is currently on licence from the Crown Court and a decision on revoking that was due to be made on October 28.

The court was told that police received a dropped 999 call in which a female could be heard whispering 'help'.

Police traced the phone and then went to an address where they found Lockhart and a female covered in blood, the court heard.

The defendant told police the woman 'suffered from psychosis' and needed help.

Police were told that an argument had started between the pair and that Lockhart was alleged to have pushed the woman to the ground, then into a corner, where the woman, in what she claimed was self defence, head butted him, the court heard.

Lockhart was then said to have forced the woman to strike herself before placing his hands around her throat and squeezing, the court was further told.

The court heard that the woman had marks on her neck and 'significant bruising ' to her eyes and arms.

At interview Lockhart claimed the woman had hit herself as well as breaking a plate over her own head.

The officer told the court that Lockhart was currently on licence and had 104 previous convictions and that he didn't believe that he could be managed by conditions.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan told the court that the woman was 'highly intoxicated'.

She said Lockhart could be managed with conditions.

District Judge Suzanne Rice said these were 'very serious offences'.

She told the court that the woman was 'a vulnerable individual' and that she had no confidence that Lockhart would abide by conditions.

Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded in custody to appear again at Derry Magistrates’ Court sitting at Bishop Street Courthouse on November 19.