Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend released on bail

A 36-year-old woman has appeared in court accused of stabbing her boyfriend and the attempted murder of a police officer.

Maria Doherty, of Clon Elagh, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm and attempted murder on December 12.

Derry Magistrates’ Court heard Doherty is deemed to be at high risk of domestic violence from her boyfriend, who was on bail at the time of the alleged incident and is banned from having any contact with her.

He has since been remanded in custody for breaching this condition of bail, the court was told. It is alleged that police were called to the defendant’s home address shortly after 4pm to reports of a domestic stabbing. On arrival, Doherty was said to be ‘covered in blood’.

Officers spoke to her boyfriend and he claimed that they had an argument which ‘escalated’, the court heard.

He said that Doherty grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed him below the left eye and on the back.

The court was told that officers entered the kitchen of the property where, it is alleged, the 36-year-old was holding a large kitchen knife, with a six inch blade, above her head.

The court heard she was told to drop the knife but allegedly continued to raise it above her head and pace backwards and forwards.

One officer had to withdraw his firearm and another an extended baton during the incident.

It is alleged Doherty attempted to lunge towards police and she was struck on the leg with a baton, causing her to fall to the ground.

An investigating officer said this was captured on police body worn camera.

The court was told the man received two stitches to the injury under his left eye and three to his back.

He told police he did not wish to make a statement of complaint and said he had sustained the injuries when he fell.

During interview, Doherty said she had no recollection of the alleged incident.

Opposing bail, the officer said police had concerns that the defendant will not abide by bail conditions and will continue her relationship with her boyfriend if they are both at liberty.

The officer added that police have ‘significant concerns’ about her addiction issues.

She added that the alleged incident was ‘serious’ and ‘could have caused the serious injury or death of an officer or, in fact, herself’.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said his client was an ‘extremely vulnerable individual’ who has been subject to domestic violence in the past.

He added that, during interview, Doherty was ‘extremely distressed’ when she was shown footage of the alleged incident and was ‘remorseful’.

District Judge Barney McElholm released Doherty on bail subject to a number of conditions, including a ban on having any contact with her boyfriend.

He warned the 36-year-old to adhere to the bail conditions as ‘they are for her own protection’.

Doherty will appear in court again on January 7.