A 31-year-old man has been refused bail at Derry Magistrates’ Court after being charged with assault, criminal damage and theft.

Michael Connors, of Patrick Street, is accused of attacking another man in a flat on July 25. Police had been called to a report of an assault.

The court heard that the alleged victim and his partner had invited Connors and his partner to their home. When the conversation turned to Connors’ former partner, Connors allegedly became irate and pulled the man from a sofa, struck him against a wall and punched him repeatedly. Photographs were taken of injuries to the man’s face.

It is further alleged that Connors took a Samsung phone as he left and later returned to kick the door.

Connors was subsequently arrested and denied all charges. His defence barrister told the court that Connors claimed he was only in the flat for a short time and that the complainant was intoxicated.

Police opposed bail, highlighting Connors’ 150 previous convictions, which include assaults. They argued there was a clear risk he would breach any bail conditions.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan refused bail, describing the criminal record as excessive. Connors was remanded in custody and will appear again on August 20.