A man from Newtownbutler appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with common assault and making threats to damage property.

The court heard police arrested him on March 10 after receiving a call from his wife. She reported that around 3pm that day her husband pushed her onto a sofa and struck her several times. She and her children fled the family home and flagged down a lorry driver to escape.

The daughter confirmed the assault to police. She also said she previously heard her father threaten to burn down the family home if his wife reported him.

The wife told officers she and her daughter feared for their lives.

During police interview the man admitted searching for his wife and child. He acknowledged pushing her and possibly making the threat but described it as flippant and not meant to scare.

Police described him as confrontational in interview. His solicitor said this reflected his communication style.

The court learned he has 34 prior convictions including violent offences. The judge remanded him in custody with a bail hearing set for next week at Dungannon Magistrates Court.