Jacob Frank Bradshaw, a 28-year-old amateur boxer from Stroma Drive in Ballymena, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday. He faces eight charges related to two women in separate incidents.

Charges from last January include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, non-fatal strangulation, and causing actual bodily harm. A separate set from last summer includes one count of rape and one count of non-fatal strangulation.

A detective told the court she could connect Bradshaw to all offences. Police opposed bail due to breaches of prior police bail conditions, including contact with persons involved in the cases.

Details of the summer incident involve Bradshaw and a woman drinking together. She threw a drink at him, after which he grabbed her hair, dragged her to the kitchen, and strangled her. He then threw her on a sofa and raped her, the court heard.

In the January incident, the woman met Bradshaw at a guesthouse after social media contact. They drank and had consensual sex initially. Another man arrived and left after a refused request. Bradshaw then raped and sexually assaulted her, strangling her in the bathroom.

Defence counsel noted Bradshaw has no prior record and resides with his mother in Ballymena. The summer complainant reported the incident nine months later.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne released Bradshaw on bail, adjourning the case to 21 May. Conditions include a curfew, residing at his home address, no contact with complainants or witnesses, and reporting to police three times weekly. The judge warned Bradshaw of prison if conditions are breached.