Northern Ireland

Man remanded into custody accused of imprisoning and striking ex-partner with glass ornament

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this month
The defendant was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this month The defendant was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this month

A MAN was remanded into custody today accused of imprisoning and striking his ex-partner to the head with a glass ornament.

Eamonn McManus (41) also allegedly throttled the woman during a sustained attack at his home in Belfast on Tuesday.

McManus, of Short Strand, claims that he acted in self-defence after she came at him with a knife.

He appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on charges of false imprisonment, attempted grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon with intent.

Police said McManus allegedly launched the assault after locking his front door.

She was struck multiple times to the face and dragged to a bedroom by the accused, according to her account.

"He lifted a solid glass ornament and struck her to the side of the head, causing her to fall to the floor," a detective claimed.

It was alleged that McManus then hit her several more times in the same area before she called out for help. At one stage, according to police, he grabbed the woman around the neck so tightly that she struggled to breath.

The woman eventually fled from the flat covered in blood after banging the walls and screaming for assistance, the court heard.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd argued that the woman's injuries were not consistent with the ferocity of an alleged attack involving a heavy glass object. The barrister set out counter claims that she came at his client first after accusing him of phone contact with another woman.

"She was slashing at him with a knife and he punched her a couple of times to the head to defend himself, which he is ashamed of and sorry for," Mr Boyd submitted.

Refusing bail to McManus, District Judge Anne Marshall said the charges were "concerning and sinister".

He was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this month.