Stephen Flanagan, 35, of Dernawilt Road in Roslea, Fermanagh, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm and possessing a pitchfork with intent to commit harm on March 27.

He faces additional charges over prior dates of strangling his partner, engaging in abusive behaviour likely to cause physical or psychological harm, and threatening to kill her.

Police received a report on March 27 from the Social Services Gateway Team at the South West Acute Hospital after the woman sought treatment for a severe hand laceration fully pierced by the pitchfork.

The woman initially told paramedics she fell onto the pitchfork but later stated Flanagan assaulted her during an argument on the family farm over his messages to other women.

A police officer told the court the woman disclosed an 11-year pattern of abuse including control of her finances, restrictions on seeing friends and family, verbal abuse, non-recent strangulation, and an assault causing a broken nose and unconsciousness.

Flanagan denied the assault during police interview, stating there was an argument and that she became aggressive toward him while he held the pitchfork.

The woman received specialist treatment at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald and remains an inpatient.

District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail citing serious allegations arising from third-party disclosure during medical treatment and high risks, remanding Flanagan in custody for video-link appearance on April 27.