James Hutton, 50, from Liscloon Drive in Shantallow, Derry, faces charges related to assaults on a woman. Police responded to a call from the woman on April 7. Officers heard a disturbance and shouts for help in the background.

At the address, police found the woman walking and stating that Hutton had punched her in the face while both were intoxicated. Hutton was arrested. He was already on pre-charge bail for an alleged assault on the same woman in February.

Both had prior arrests and bail conditions prohibiting contact. Hutton first told police they had shared half a bottle of whiskey. He later said his brother let the woman in and she acted aggressively while he slept, claiming she injured herself.

He made similar claims about the February incident. Police opposed bail due to her visible injuries and their proximity on the same estate. Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott stated they were drinking companions, not in a relationship, and that she could become hysterical and self-harm.

Derry Magistrates’ Court granted bail with conditions: no alcohol, a curfew, and no contact with the woman. Hutton must return to court on April 30.