Dominic McKay, 22, from Abercorn Road in Derry/Londonderry, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court on charges including intentionally applying pressure to a woman's throat, assault causing actual bodily harm, stalking, harassment, abusive behaviour and threatening to destroy her phone. The alleged offences occurred between 1 January and 27 March 2025.

A detective constable from the PSNI Public Protection Unit stated that all charges connect to one case. The woman reported McKay calling her repeatedly from a withheld number starting 22 March 2025. She had refused to speak with him due to prior relationship issues. McKay also appeared at her workplace, returning once after she checked the door.

The woman described an incident last summer when McKay sat behind her with his arms around her, then squeezed her neck until she lost consciousness with ringing ears and burning eyes. On another occasion, he placed his arm around her neck from behind while covering her mouth and nose.

She recounted McKay kicking her across the kitchen, causing severe bruising, with no prior argument. In a separate event, during an argument he threatened to throw her phone out a window; it fell, and as she retrieved it he grabbed her hair. She escaped after trying to leave while pregnant; she later miscarried.

McKay restricted her from seeing friends, disapproved of her job and often questioned her communications. She had not reported earlier due to fears of a lengthy court process but sent police photos of injuries to her jaw, neck, chest, arms and legs. She remains undecided on giving a formal statement.

McKay, when arrested and interviewed, admitted one call after the relationship ended for closure but denied physical incidents or harassment. The detective objected to bail citing the pattern of behaviour, extensive injuries including during pregnancy, the woman's fear and escalating actions.

Defence counsel noted McKay has no prior record and proposed strict bail conditions. District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail, describing a violent relationship with historic and recent allegations. The judge urged the PPS to review court jurisdiction due to seriousness. McKay's next appearance is by video-link on 22 April.