A 36-year-old Derry man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with a series of domestic offences against his former partner. Michael Murray of Epworth Street, Rosemount, faces multiple charges including three counts of assault, two counts of burglary, stalking, breach of a non-molestation order, threatening to damage property, taking a vehicle without consent, and abusing the communications network. The alleged offences took place on June 4 and 5, 2026.

A police officer told Derry Magistrates' Court on Monday that the woman was allegedly assaulted in her own home, where Murray is said to have pulled her hair. On June 5, the woman was in a licensed premises when Murray again pulled her hair and attempted to make her leave, the court heard. Door staff removed him, but he remained outside for several hours waiting for her to exit.

The officer said the woman later discovered Murray had entered her home through a window after receiving texts from her son's phone. More than 50 messages and a large number of missed calls were recorded, with communication continuing until 6:30am. A non-molestation order, imposed in 2019, prohibited Murray from coming within 100 metres of the woman's home.

Police opposed bail, stating the defendant appeared not to accept that the relationship had ended. Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said Murray voluntarily surrendered to police and handed over his phone. He argued the relationship was ongoing and Murray believed the non-molestation order had expired. The solicitor said both had attended a First Communion for their child, after which Murray drank excessively and was asked to leave. He denied breaking into the property, saying he returned to what he considered the family home. Bail was requested with conditions including a ban on entering the Creggan area.

District Judge Suzanne Rice refused bail, citing a high risk of reoffending and the seriousness with which courts treat domestic offences. Murray was remanded in custody to appear again on July 2.