A MAN who has admitted hitting an 11-month-old baby during an attack on his brother has been released on bail.
Aaron O'Kane (25) of Carnhill in Derry admitted two counts of common assault which occurred on April 30.
The baby was punched during an assault by O'Kane on his brother who was holding the baby in his arms at the time.
Police at today's hearing at Derry Magistrate's Court opposed bail saying there was a risk of re-offending.
Describing the assault on the child as "an act of absolute madness" the police officer said he had no confidence O'Kane would respond "like a normal adult would."
District judge Barney McElholm said that putting a baby at risk during the altercation with his brother was "completely abhorrent" and said O'Kane was "clearly a man who was out of control."
But the judge said there was a presumption of the right to bail.
He released O'Kane on £750 bail to reside at an address approved by the PSNI.
He is not to go within ten miles of Derry courthouse except for specific appearances; he is to observe a curfew from 7.30pm to 7.30am and to have no contact with the injured party.
He will also be electronically tagged.
O'Kane is expected to appear again before Derry Magistrates Court on June 8.
