Assault accused ‘told partner to withdraw complaint’ at station

A MAN charged with assaulting his partner four times on the same day brought her to a police station under instructions to withdraw her complaint, a court has heard.

Evaldas Zalieckas is accused of committing the assaults on January 22.

The 28-year-old, of Lambfields Lane in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was arrested, charged and released on police bail, with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim or entering the area of her home.

However, a police officer told Dungannon Magistrates Court that, on Thursday of this week, Zalieckas brought the alleged victim to Dungannon police station, where she was to make a statement of withdrawal.

The officer said bail was strongly opposed due to a risk of continued interference amid concerns the alleged victim had been coerced.

She said: “The injured party is vulnerable and whilst giving her original statement voiced fear of further attacks. She also disclosed the defendant told her ‘You will do what I tell you to do’.”

The officer contended the address to which Zalieckas was originally bailed by police is no longer suitable, as it too close to the alleged victim’s home.

In addition, the accused claims to be heroin-dependant, and police believe the drugs could be taken with alcohol and enhance risks of reoffending.

A defence barrister said he was “taken aback” by the comment on heroin-dependency as his client is in full-time employment.

The officer responded that Zalieckas had disclosed this on being booked into custody.

The defence barrister said his client should be readmitted to his bail address as it had been deemed suitable previously.

He also suggested a ban on possessing a mobile phone, which is how contact with the alleged victim was made prior to attending with police.

The barrister added: “It must be stressed my client is in full time employment and sends most of his wages home to his mother in Lithuania. If refused bail, he will lose his job.”

But District Judge John Meehan remarked on the continuance of suspected perpetrators of domestic abuse, seeking to maintain contact and control of their victims.

Revoking bail, the judge told the court: “Those who are found to engage in that kind of conduct cannot expect leniency of the court.”

Zalieckas was remanded in custody to appear by video.