A man charged with domestic abuse appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court. The charges cover 24 months and include common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. District Judge Rafferty granted him bail at £250 despite police opposition.

Police received a report on March 17 from the defendant's wife at their home. She stated he had physically and psychologically abused her over 24 months, including slapping and biting. She said she filed for divorce and planned to return to India. She showed photographic evidence of injuries.

The defendant holds a student visa that expired in 2024. He remained in the UK after an arranged marriage to his wife.

Police questioned the defendant after his arrest. He said he acted in self-defence after his wife slapped him and accused him of an affair. His wife had learned of a child he has in India.

The defence said the wife refused to provide a written statement or appear in court. The defendant arranged a bail address ten miles from the wife's home in the Maghery area of County Armagh.

Bail conditions require no contact with the wife, residence at the approved address, and an electronic tag. He must return to Dungannon Magistrates Court on April 15.