Belfast man accused of rape ‘to be excluded from the city of Derry’

Mr Justice Maguire ruled that Aaron Hyland must keep out of the city as part of conditions under which he was granted bail.

Hyland, a 21-year-old from Cranbrook Court in Belfast, denies charges of rape, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, and threatening to kill and assaulting a police officer.

He is alleged to have carried out a sex attack at a house in Derry on October 3 last year.

A bloodied claw-hammer was said to have been lying close to where police located the woman.

Details emerged as bail was refused to the man accused of carrying out the assault on October 3.

At a previous hearing prosecutors said the alleged victim was discovered upstairs after Hyland phoned the ambulance service.

The bed and floor were covered in blood, with a further trail along the landing and into the bathroom, the court was told.

It was claimed that the woman, aged in her twenties was dragged into the bath amid attempts to wash her.

Although Hyland claimed sexual contact was consensual, police were said to believe his account could not explain the injuries sustained.

After being arrested he allegedly tried to strike out at an officer and demanded to know his name.

Prosecution counsel claimed he threatened: “Tell me because I will get Colin Duffy around to see you. You will be getting the knock on your door some night you b******, tick, tick, boom, boom.”

In a prepared statement Hyland said he went back to a house with her after she flirted with him during an all-day drink and drug-taking session.

He claimed to have helped the woman into the bath after she started to bleed, only for her to go limp as she was getting washed.

At that stage he phoned a girlfriend who advised him to put her in the recovery position and phone for an ambulance, it was claimed.

Bail was opposed based on the risks he may re-offend or try to flee.

A judge was told the defendant has been warned he is under threat.

According to PSNI intelligence paramilitaries and others in Derry would love him to get bail as they are “baying for his blood”.

But following a renewed application, Mr Justice Maguire decided Hyland can be released on strict conditions.

He ordered the accused to stay at an agreed address in Belfast, abide by a curfew and banned him from taking alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

The judge also directed: “He is to be excluded from the city of Derry, and I’m making a condition of no contact, direct or indirect, with the injured party.”