Northern Ireland

Court told that man accused of assaulting girlfriend allegedly threatened to put a police sergeant "in a box"

High Court in Belfast
High Court in Belfast High Court in Belfast

A MAN accused of giving his teenage girlfriend two black eyes allegedly threatened to put a police sergeant "in a box", the High Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutors also claimed William Johnson spat on officers and called one a "P**i b******" while being arrested last week.

Johnson, of Glentaisie Park in Portrush, Co Antrim, faces charges of common assault, criminal damage threats to kill, assault on police, disorderly behaviour and possessing cannabis.

During a bail application it was alleged that he attacked his 19-year-old girlfriend at a location in Portstewart on May 17 after accusing her of stealing from him.

She claimed he struck her on the face and smashed her mobile phone case, the court was told.

Crown lawyer Iryna Kennedy contended that Johnson became aggressive and verbally abusive when officers went to arrest him.

"Limb restraints were applied, but during the incident the applicant was shouting at police officer 'I will put you in a box'.

"He was also heard to call him a P**i b******."

A small quantity of cannabis was allegedly located on him in custody.

Opposing bail, Mrs Kennedy claimed Johnston's girlfriend had been left with two black eyes, and was vulnerable due to drug problems.

A defence lawyer insisted Johnson denies attacking the woman or damaging her phone cover.

Setting out his client's case that the injuries were inflicted by someone three days earlier, he told the court: "When officers arrived at the scene her eyes were already black."

Johnson was granted bail on conditions including a curfew, electronic tagging and a ban on contacting the alleged victim and a ban on entering his home town of Coleraine.