Man accused of ‘acting like an animal’ in alleged attack

A CO Fermanagh man has been accused of the “actions of an animal” as he was refused bail after allegedly attacking his partner.

Martin Ward (38) of Villa Terrace, Ederney, is charged with assault, taking her car without authority and driving it without insurance on November 15.

A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court police received a call from the partner regarding “an ongoing attack”.

On arrival they discovered Ward had fled but his partner described him striking her across the back with his belt, biting her lower lip and spitting on her multiple times. She also said he had taken her car and a set of house keys without her permission.

The vehicle was recovered the next day in Drumquin, but Ward was not apprehended until December 3 when police called with the partner and found him in her home.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan enquired if the partner has made a statement. She had, but later withdrew it.

The judge noted a “substantial domestic violence history”, with two of Ward’s previous convictions relating to assaults on a partner, one in August 2019 and the other in January 2020.

Opposing bail, the detective constable referred to a domestic history of 24 reports since July 2019, and while there were concerns over the serious nature of assaults, “there is that pattern of, unfortunately, withdrawing statements after the fact”.

Highlighting previous issues of non-compliance with bail, the officer added: “From the initial incident, the defendant was aware police were actively looking for him, but he evaded.

“He was also arrested in June for similar offences and was bailed to hospital for a mental health assessment, where he then absconded and wasn’t arrested until three months later.”

The defence contended the partner made complaints against Ward in the past which didn’t go anywhere, adding she had since advised of her intention to move to England.

Refusing bail, the judge said: “This man has a considerable history of domestic violence. The details alleged are the actions of an animal.

“The partner cannot protect herself. She keeps going back to this man no matter what. He has been given chances by the court and has again allegedly assaulted this woman in a very animalistic way. The court has a duty to protect against those who allegedly perpetrate domestic violence.”

Ward was remanded in custody to appear at Enniskillen Magistrates Court by video-link later this month.