Bedroom intruder attacked woman with a plank of wood, court is told

A WOMAN was beaten about the head and body with a plank of wood by a bedroom intruder, the High Court has been told.

The alleged victim said a man who had previously stayed at her flat in Londonderry returned to inflict up to 15 strikes last week.

Aaron Millar (25) has been charged with aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutors said police found him in a shower at his bed and breakfast accommodation. A hoodie matching a description from the victim was found discarded outside the bathroom window, a judge was told.

Millar, of Dacre Terrace in the city, was refused bail due to the risk of re-offending.

Crown lawyer David McClean said the alleged attack on January 31 was linked to an earlier report of a suspected burglary at the woman’s home.

The woman claimed that after Millar stayed at her flat in McCorkhill House, she woke to discover her washing machine and fridge-freezer was missing. He has not been charged with stealing any of her belongings.

The woman alleged that, after confronting him, days later she was woken by an intruder.

Crown lawyer David McClean said: “She stated that the applicant came into the bedroom armed with a plank of wood and began hitting her.

“She said he hit her on the head, she put up her hands to defend herself, but he kept hitting her on the body. She stated that he hit her 10 to 15 times in total.”

The woman suffered multiple bruises and required six or seven staples for head wounds during overnight hospital treatment, according to the prosecution.

Millar denies the aggravated burglary charge. He provided an alibi and told police his DNA and fingerprints would not be found at her property.

Defence counsel challenged the woman’s credibility and added she was “well known” to police in Londonderry.

Citing concerns about further offences and interference with witnesses, Lord Justice Deeny denied bail.