A 34-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing at Derry Magistrates’ Court accused of assaulting a woman and stealing money from her.

Owen McDonagh, of Castle Drive, Caledon, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft of £30, alleged to have occurred on June 13.

The court heard that police were called to the Abercorn Road area after a member of the public reported a man assaulting a woman.

The alleged victim, a former partner of the defendant, told officers McDonagh struck her on the face and head and took cash from her bag. Police noted that she had visible injuries, including one eye swollen shut and cuts.

Prosecutors said the incident was captured on CCTV. McDonagh was arrested and gave no comment during interview.

Bail was opposed on the grounds of risk of reoffending, with the court told McDonagh has 19 previous convictions. The woman had been placed in emergency accommodation, but the accused had discovered her location. An officer stated that the woman spent 26 hours in hospital following the incident.

Defence solicitor Oliver Roche suggested that conditions such as a ban from the city could be imposed, but District Judge Suzanne Rice refused bail. She described the alleged victim as vulnerable and said she had no confidence that McDonagh would abide by any conditions.

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear again on July 9.