Regarding bail, the Crown barrister voiced concerns of Robinson committing further offences “given that he is 32 years old and has 194 previous convictions”
A 32-year old man facing domestic-related offences was granted bail on Thursday with a condition imposed banning him from contacting his ex-partner.
James Robinson was due to be arraigned at Belfast Crown Court on four charges dating back to last March.
From Broadway in Belfast, Robinson was due to be charged with non-fatal strangulation, common assault and breaching a restraining order.
All three charges relate to the same female and are alleged to have occurred on March 25, 2025.
Robinson also faces a charge of attempting to damage the door on a cell van belonging to the PSNI on the same date.
Whilst the arraignment did not proceed due to the current withdrawal of services by criminal barristers in a dispute over fees, an application to release Robinson on bail was made and granted.
A Crown barrister told Judge Neil Rafferty KC that Robinson had been granted bail on a previous occasion for the charges in March 2025 but was remanded back into custody “following other charges.”
These, the court heard, arose when Robinson was arrested last August and charged with disorderly behaviour and assaulting police.
The prosecutor revealed these two charges against Robinson “have now been dropped.”
Regarding bail, the Crown barrister voiced concerns of Robinson committing further offences “given that he is 32 years old and has 194 previous convictions”.
Addressing the Judge, Robinson’s solicitor pointed out his client was “previously deemed suitable for bail” in relation to the March 2025 charges.
Saying Robinson has “found himself in custody” from last August on charges that have now been withdrawn, the solicitor said the proposed bail address at Broadway “has been deemed suitable by the police.”
Judge Rafferty granted Robinson’s release on bail with a series of conditions imposed.
These include a ban on Robinson seeing, speaking to or contacting his former partner, a ban on him consuming alcohol and illegal drugs and obeying an 8pm to 7am curfew.
The hearing concluded when Judge Rafferty said he would review the case on March 19.
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