A Belfast man allegedly launched a flying kick on his girlfriend and threatened to chop her up, the High Court heard on Thursday.
Prosecutors claimed Jamie Riddell carried out the attack last month during an argument at his home in the north of the city. The 35-year-old, of Albertville Drive, was refused bail on disputed charges of common assault, threats to kill and breaching a restraining order.
The court heard the woman told police that Riddell became violent after a row broke out on February 6.
“During this the defendant fly-kicked the injured party to the chest and punched her twice to the head,” Crown counsel Charlene Dempsey said.
“The injured party further alleged that during this argument the defendant made a threat to tie her to a chair and chop her up, which caused her fear.”
Riddell was also said to have constantly asked the woman for money.
On the day of the alleged attack she withdrew £330 from her bank and gave it to him due to the continuous requests, according to the prosecution.
In police interviews Riddell denied the offences, claiming instead that he left the flat after the woman charged at him with a pair of scissors. His barrister described the pair as having an on-off relationship where she stayed at his house during periods of homelessness.
“He denies the offences and stated the complainant called the police to make these allegations because he would not give her money for drugs,” the lawyer submitted.
Denying bail, His Honour Judge Gordon Kerr KC ruled that Riddell must remain in custody.
He said: “I consider there is a genuine risk of re-offending in relation to the same complainant.”
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