AN alleged high-risk violent offender accused of attacking his partner was denied bail today - after directing an obscene hand gesture at the judge.
Jonathan Turley also shouted profanities as he ignored repeated warnings to keep quiet in the dock at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
Remanding the 36-year-old into custody, District Judge Amanda Brady said: "Bail is refused because he was disruptive."
Turley, of Windsor Road in Belfast, appeared on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm to a woman and driving while disqualified.
Although the alleged offences were committed in the city in January, police claimed he then went to the Republic to avoid arrest.
A PSNI officer told the court Turley was detained while on a motorbike following his return to Belfast on Tuesday.
"He has actively and deliberately evaded police in this matter," the officer said.
District Judge Amanda Brady heard Turley has been assessed as being in the highest category of risk of committing violent offences.
No details of the alleged domestic assault were disclosed in court.
But opposing his release, police claimed a statement withdrawing the complaint in the case was due to a fear of intimidation.
Turley interjected at the point, accusing the officer of telling lies.
Despite being ordered to stay silent, the defendant turned his anger towards the judge.
He gestured with a middle finger, swore and shouted obscenities before the hearing was abandoned.
Turley, who continued the verbal abuse as he was led to the cells, was remanded in custody due to appear back in court on May 16.
