Serial domestic abuser refused bail after incident in front of child and newborn

A COUNTY Tyrone man has appeared in court following a domestic abuse incident which allegedly occurred in the presence of a child and a newborn baby.

Richard Aidan Slattery (38) from Strule Park, Omagh is charged with intentionally applying pressure to a woman’s neck affecting her ability to breath or the flow of blood to her brain as well as assaulting her causing actual bodily harm.

It is further alleged he attacked two police officers when they attended the scene.

A detective constable to Enniskillen Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.

He explained a member of the public contacted police around 4.30am on October 31 after hearing screaming and shouting from a house in the Meelmore Drive area of Omagh.

On arrival the woman answered the door and was noted to have a visible injury to her throat and bleeding from cuts to her legs.

She stated Slattery had grabbed her by the throat and struck her multiple times to her face.

He was arrested and whilst being taken from the property, lunged at a police officer in an attempt to headbutt him, then kicked another officer.

Meanwhile police discovered the two small children in the house which was “in an extremely poor, unkempt condition with broken glass and blood stains throughout.”

Blood was also observed on the newborn baby’s clothes.

As both Slattery and the woman were noted to be heavily intoxicated and unfit to look after the children who were placed into the care of a relative.

During interview Slattery mostly answered no comment but he denied attacking the woman. He accepted a lot of alcohol had been consumed but didn’t believe he was intoxicated.

Objecting to bail the detective said, “This was a violent domestic incident inside the woman’s home. She has been assessed as at high risk of serious harm by the defendant. Police only became aware of this incident because a member of the public heard screaming which may indicate the injured party may have been too scared or intimidated.”

While this is the first reported incident with this woman she has since disclosed other matters which is being followed up, however Slattery has a significant record for domestic abuse with previous partners.

“He is classed as a serial, high-risk perpetrator of domestic abuse with an extensive criminal record consisting of 178 convictions. and has consistently shown a propensity for violence and not adhering to bail or court orders,” said the detective.

The defence pointed out the woman was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting Slattery which he claims, “Led to the entire debacle.”

He added, “She didn’t ring the police herself and has never reported the defendant for domestic abuse before.”

District Judge Alana McSorley pointed out, “No previous – reported- domestic history.”

The defence accepted Slattery has, “An atrocious record and had the misfortune of being brought up in the care system which is indicative of his difficulties. It’s an unusual situation involving a regrettable, unsavoury incident which is not in any way condoned. At this stage there is no indication this matter will be advanced. It may well not. The complainant and defendant may be left to their own devices to do what they wish.”

But throwing out the application Judge McSorley said, “This was a dire, high-risk situation and only for the intervention of a concerned member of the public who knows what else could have unfolded.”

She added while the case is still in the early stages, “Consideration should be given to proceedings at crown court due to the gravity of alleged offending.”

Slattery will appear again by video-link at Omagh Magistrates Court on November 17.