Northern Ireland

Man 'threw miniature dog against concrete' after attacking girlfriend, court told

Mr Justice Gerry McAlinden adjourned the application to give police time to check out a proposed bail address
Mr Justice Gerry McAlinden adjourned the application to give police time to check out a proposed bail address Mr Justice Gerry McAlinden adjourned the application to give police time to check out a proposed bail address

A man allegedly lifted a miniature dog and threw it against concrete after being ejected from a house for attacking his partner, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors claimed Thomas Ward (29) of Orr Park in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone had warned he would "cause havoc" if he wasn't allowed back into the property last Monday.

He faces charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, common assault and criminal damage.

Police were called to the street amid reports of a parked Mercedes car having its window smashed.

They were told Ward had assaulted his girlfriend after drinking a litre of vodka, allegedly punching her twice in the stomach and ribs area - although she did not make a statement of complaint.

The court was told Mr Ward smashed the car window and grabbed the miniature Jack Russell terrier by the scruff of the neck, causing it to yelp.

He shouted for one of the women in the house to come to the door and watch would would happen to the dog, the court heard, before throwing it "onto the driveway against the concrete".

Mr Justice Gerry McAlinden adjourned the application to give police time to check out a proposed bail address in the Castlederg area.