A 38-year-old Lurgan man has been granted bail at Craigavon Magistrates Court after being charged with two offences, including attempting to administer a poison.

Jonathan Barton, of Ulster Street, appeared on Wednesday to face a charge of common assault and a charge of trying to administer a poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm. Both offences are alleged to have occurred on 11 August.

Police told the court they received a report of antisocial behaviour at an address in Lurgan. The complainant said she had a disagreement with Barton over drugs. The court heard that Barton allegedly grabbed the woman by the throat, attempted to pour lighter fluid into her mouth, and tried to pour boiling water from a kettle over her arm.

Officers observed bruising on the woman's neck. Barton was taken to hospital due to his level of intoxication. In a police interview, he admitted being at the address but denied any assault, stating that witnesses would support his account.

Police opposed bail, saying the proposed address was too close to the complainant's home. They also cited a risk of Barton failing to appear in court, referencing six previous bench warrants, and a high risk of further offending given his previous convictions.

Four months ago, Barton received sentences totalling eight months for a series of offences, including blocking police responding to an emergency by lying in the road, making sexual remarks in a hospital, and mocking murdered police officer Stephen Carroll.

Defence counsel Damien Halleron argued that Barton could be granted bail with conditions and at an approved address. District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he would consider bail only at an address outside Lurgan. Barton was ordered to obey a curfew, wear an electronic tag, and abstain from alcohol and drugs.

The case was adjourned to 4 September.