Jensen Matthew from Main Street in Coalisland faces charges of assaulting his wife on March 17 during a public incident. Police responded to a 999 call from his wife on St Patrick’s Day. Officers separated the couple at the scene.

Matthew told police his wife accused him of cheating, slapped him, and he slapped her in response. His wife told officers separately that she learned of a child he has in India and his involvement with other women. She said the argument grew after she told him she booked a flight to India for divorce proceedings.

Prosecutors also charge Matthew with abusive behaviour causing physical or psychological harm over two years. One allegation involves assault causing actual bodily harm during a date in June 2025. The wife showed police photos of arm bite marks from a prior confrontation over his alleged affairs.

A police officer told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court that all charges connect to the relationship. The couple entered an arranged marriage in India. The wife holds a full-time job. Matthew arrived on a student visa that expired in 2024 but gained leave to remain via her work permit.

The officer noted the wife’s limited support network ties mainly to her job. Police reported her missing last year after another domestic incident. District Judge Francis Rafferty granted bail at £250 with conditions including an alternative address, weekly police sign-on, no contact with his wife, and no entry to Coalisland.

The defence stated Matthew acted in self-defence and plans a complaint of assault against his wife. The officer confirmed bodyworn footage exists but no written statement from her. The case returns to court on April 1.