Tyrone man ‘addicted to legal highs attacked and robbed his partner

Mark Corry is accused of breaking into the woman’s home and dragging her round the house before stealing £40 to pay for Magic Dragon.

A prosecutor said the substance is being sold openly by retailers in Omagh.

Corry, 32, faces charges of burglary, assault, robbery and resisting police over the incident in the town on September 13.

Bail was refused due to the risk of further offences.

Mr Justice Weir was told police were called to the scene at Shergrim Grove by one of the alleged victim’s four children who said his mother was being hit by the accused.

Prosecution counsel said: “(The woman) said the applicant had attacked her to get money to buy a substance known as Magic Dragon, which is sold as a legal high.”

It was claimed that the victim was dragged about as the accused tried to take her handbag.

Corry, with an address at Station Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane, allegedly took the cash before being forced out of the house.

The court heard, however, that he climbed back in through a window.

Despite his partner later withdrawing her complaint, the prosecutor confirmed that police are pressing ahead with the case.

Defence counsel said: “It’s accepted the applicant has an addiction to these legal highs which cause his behaviour to change .

“He needs help with that and he has taken some steps in relation to that.”

But despite suggesting Corry could live in Strabane, Mr Justice Weir denied bail.

He said: “There’s a well developed concern if admitted to bail he would commit further offences.”