A Belfast man faces charges of common assault, threats to kill, and breaching a restraining order following an incident at his home. Jamie Riddell, 35, of Albertville Drive in north Belfast, appeared in court where prosecutors outlined the alleged events from February 6.

The woman involved told police that Riddell kicked her in the chest and punched her head twice during an argument. She stated he threatened to tie her to a chair and chop her up, leaving her fearful.

Prosecutors said Riddell repeatedly asked her for money. On the day of the incident, she withdrew £330 from her bank and gave it to him.

Riddell denied the charges in police interviews. He claimed he left the flat after the woman approached him with scissors.

His barrister noted an on-off relationship in which she stayed at his home during times of homelessness. The barrister added that Riddell believed she made the allegations because he refused to give her money for drugs.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC refused bail. He ruled there is a genuine risk of re-offending against the same woman.