A man accused of breaking his girlfriend's nose and trying to choke her blamed his own mother for the assault, the High Court has heard.
David Clarke allegedly kicked and punched the woman and pulled some of her hair out in a drink-fuelled attack at his home in Co Down.
Police had to use CS spray after discovering the 23-year-old shirtless and washing himself in the blood-splattered house last November, a judge was told yesterday.
Counsel for the prosecution said Clarke "alleged that his mother had assaulted the injured party".
Clarke, of Kilkeel Road, Annalong, faces charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, attempted choking, assault on police, criminal damage and resisting police.
He was refused bail to live at an address with his mother.
The court heard the victim was found in a distressed state, suffering from severe facial injuries and wounds to her head.
Blood was found inside and outside the house.
The court heard police used CS spray to try and restrain Clarke, who allegedly kicked out and spat in the police car following his arrest.
Clarke's girlfriend alleged he had subjected her to a "violent and sustained attack" including that he tried to choke her, pulled her hair and kicked and punched her.
She suffered a fractured nose and cuts to her eye and lip.
Clarke's defence lawyer said his client claimed he only intervened in a fight between his mother and girlfriend.
Refusing bail, Mr Justice Horner described the alleged assault as "particularly vicious" and said it was "inappropriate" for Clarke to be bailed to his mother's house.
