PAUL O'NEILL FROM BELFAST DENIED BAIL OVER VIOLENT DOMESTIC OFFENCES INVOLVING PREGNANT WOMAN

A man named Paul O'Neill from Belfast has been denied bail after making a court appearance on serious charges related to domestic violence. The allegations against him include a series of violent acts directed at a woman who is currently 20 weeks pregnant with twins. The court proceedings revealed that O'Neill faces seven separate charges, which encompass various forms of domestic abuse, violations of restraining orders, and breaches of non-molestation orders.

According to the prosecution, O'Neill was involved in a tumultuous relationship with the victim, who had been staying in a shed located within his parents' garden. The victim's partner is the father of her unborn twins. However, O'Neill's defense team challenged this account, disputing the details of her living arrangements.

The timeline of the alleged abuse spans from March 26 to April 7. During this period, O'Neill is accused of physically assaulting the pregnant woman, including an incident where he kicked her in the face, injuring her nose. Additionally, he is accused of attacking her with a broom handle, an assault that reportedly followed an argument over her looking at his phone.

The court heard that the victim was deeply affected by the abuse, with the prosecution stating that her mental health had deteriorated to the point where she felt suicidal and depressed. Concerns were also raised that O'Neill might attempt to contact her if he were released on bail, which contributed to the decision to refuse his release.

Furthermore, the judge cited previous breaches of court orders related to domestic issues as a reason for denying bail. O'Neill's next court appearance is scheduled for May 12, where the case will continue to be heard. The decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding this case in Belfast.