Man ‘stabbed three times by girlfriend’ during party

A WOMAN allegedly stabbed her boyfriend three times at a weekend party in east Belfast, a court has heard.

Police said the man was rushed to hospital for treatment to shoulder wounds inflicted at a flat in the Newtownards Road area early on Sunday morning.

Sonya Johnston (35), faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing cocaine.

Johnston, with an address at University Street in the city, was granted bail but banned from contacting the alleged victim.

Appearing before Belfast Magistrates’ Court, she spoke only to confirm that she understood the charges.

Police opposed her application to be released from custody, claiming there were risks of further offences and interference with witnesses.

Outlining details of the alleged attack, a PSNI constable said: “The injured party called police at approximate 1.50am on January 7 to report his girlfriend, the defendant, had stabbed him in the shoulder. It was at a party.”

A doctor who treated the man identified three stab wounds, the court heard.

Johnston’s lawyer revealed the couple are no longer together.

Despite police objections, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ruled that Johnston could be released on bail.

“This seems to be a specific alleged offence, a row with her partner,” she pointed out. Mrs Bagnall also excluded the accused from parts of the city and imposed an alcohol prohibition.

Johnston is due back in court in six weeks’ time.