Man raped and threatened to kill wife, court told

ONE of Dublin’s most iconic cafes, Bewley’s, is set to close permanently.

The famous Grafton Street coffee shop had been closed on a temporary basis since mid-march due to the coronavirus emergency.

The 100-plus staff have been told that the business, whose prime retail location comes with a hefty rental cost, is now unlikely to be able to reopen.

One of the best-known cafes in the city and famous for its stained glass windows by artist Harry Clarke, Bewley’s was first opened in 1927.

A statement from the owners said: “The management of the Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street has written to staff to inform them that it is with deep regret and great sadness that it is likely to be necessary to permanently close the cafe over the coming weeks,” it read.

“The proposed closure would result in the loss of all jobs in the cafe.”

A 62-year-old Co Antrim man allegedly raped his wife after locking her inside their home, a court heard.

He is accused of launching the attack when she returned from work on Monday, threatening to kill her if she made a complaint.

The defendant, who cannot be named, then allegedly tried to take his own life at their property in the Carrickfergus area.

He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threats to kill and false imprisonment.

A detective claimed the woman discovered the front and back door had been locked after she arrived back at the house.

Her husband then allegedly began punching and choking her in the hallway and living room.

She was forced upstairs and raped, before a further sexual assault was attempted in the kitchen area, according to the police case.

The detective said the woman was allowed to leave at that stage, walking to a relative’s house in a neighbouring area.

Following his arrest the accused made no comment during police interviews.

Opposing bail, the detective stressed the seriousness of the alleged assault.

“The complainant suffered multiple bruises, abrasions and a broke rib,” he said.

“During the attack he threatened to kill her twice if she made a complaint to police.”

Concerns were also raised that the man could self-harm if released. District Judge Mark Hamill was told he tried to hang himself after the incident.

Disputing the police version of events, defence solicitor Stewart Ballentine insisted his client had no intention of taking his own life.

He described how the accused has been in isolation during the

Covid-19 crisis due to health issues.

Emphasising the couple’s longterm marriage, Mr Ballentine argued there have been no previous domestic incidents.

“In response to the charges he replied ‘No, not guilty’,” the lawyer added.

Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of further offences and interference with witnesses.

Judge Hamill remanded the man in custody to appear again by video-link in four weeks time.