Woman accused of biting assaults

Caitlin Callaghan, of no fixed abode, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assaulting police and disorderly behaviour on June 11.

The 22-year-old is charged with further offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threat to kill, assaulting police and disorderly behaviour on June 15.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard allegations that the first incident involved an assault on Callaghan’s ex-partner.

She allegedly bit his arms and neck and the man locked himself in a room until she calmed down.

On police arrival, it is alleged Callaghan had blood on her arms and face and she became extremely aggressive. 

She allegedly struggled with police and tried to spit at an officer.

The court heard the defendant was taken to hospital where it is alleged she was disorderly and was racially abusive to a doctor.

Callaghan was released on police bail but was arrested four days later after an alleged assault on her mother.

Following her arrest, it is alleged Callaghan bit a civilian detention officer and bit a police officer, breaking through a latex glove he was wearing.

The court heard the officer sustained an injury which required two paper stitches and antibiotics.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty asked the court to give his client a further chance on bail.

District Judge Ted Magill refused the application, stating Callaghan ‘presents as a violent offender who bites people’.

He said he did not believe he could trust her to abide by bail conditions.