Bail refused in case of Ballygawley man accused of '˜three hour, degrading attack' on partner in front of toddler son

Dungannon Magistrates Court was told the incident allegedly took place while the defendant, 20 year-old Mark McCormick, from Garvaghy Bridge Road, was on bail in relation to a separate incident before the Crown Court.

Outlining the case against McCormick, a police officer revealed the disturbing nature of the alleged attack which is said to have taken place at the victim’s home on February 1.

During the alleged incident, McCormick made the victim sit on the bedroom floor and wouldn’t allow her to move or tend to their 18 month-old child, who was present at the time.

McCormick is alleged to have grabbed the woman by the hair, poured water on hair, struck her with the lid of a plastic container - which reportedly cracked due to the force used - and strangled her until she nearly lost consciousness.

Describing the alleged attack as degrading and terrifying, the police officer revealed how McCormick allegedly went through the victim’s Facebook page on her phone. Each time McCormick saw that his partner had ‘liked’ photographs containing men, McCormick would allegedly strike the victim, the officer stated.

Continuing, the police man explained that McCormick admitted to taking the victim’s bank card and withdrawing £250 for the purposes of “fleeing the jurisdiction”.

McCormick’s lawyer told the court his client has since made a counter claim against the alleged victim and said various witnesses had made statements to corroborate McCormick’s complaint.

McCormick, who faces a string of charges including attempted GBH with intent, was remanded in custody to appear again by video link at Dungannon Court on May 11.