A 22-year-old man from Cu Chulainn House on Victoria Parade in Belfast received bail at Belfast Crown Court. Owen Johnston faces 12 charges related to domestic offences against his pregnant partner from January 2024 to December 2025. He denies all charges.

Crown barrister David McNeill outlined the main incident on February 14, 2024. A neighbour in the same building called police after hearing a 17-year-old female scream for help from Johnston's flat. The female, pregnant with Johnston's child, alleged Johnston slapped and stamped on her head, kicked and punched her.

McNeill detailed further allegations. These include an attempt to cause grievous bodily harm and false imprisonment. Another charge involves assault occasioning actual bodily harm in December 2024, before the complainant's 20-week scan. Johnston allegedly punched her, bit her arm and pulled out clumps of her hair.

McNeill objected to bail. He noted the couple's years-long relationship and police concerns over coercive control. The proposed bail address in north Belfast lies a 20-minute walk from the complainant's home. He cited Johnston's use of cocaine and cannabis, failure to take ADHD medication, and described him as volatile. The complainant expressed fear of Johnston.

Defence solicitor Owen Beattie supported bail. He pointed to Johnston's mother and uncle at the bail address, both willing to supervise him. Beattie noted Johnston's 14 months on remand at Hydebank and delays from industrial action affecting trial timing.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC granted bail. He recognised Johnston's presumption of innocence and stated no trial before September at earliest. Conditions include residence at the specified address, electronic tagging, a 9pm to 6am curfew, no entry to the complainant's area, no mobile phone, no social media and no contact with the complainant or her family.