A Belfast man allegedly imprisoned and strangled his grandmother amid demands for her to hand over money, the High Court has heard.
Prosecutors claimed Bernard O’Neill (21) grabbed the pensioner by the throat and tried to steal a bank card as she tried to escape by crawling out of her home.
Granting bail to the accused, Mr Justice Kinney warned it was his “one last chance”.
O’Neill, of Clifton Courtyard, faces charges of common assault, non-fatal strangulation, attempted theft, false imprisonment and criminal damage to a walking stick.
Police were informed that he had choked his 69-year-old grandmother during a bid to obtain her card or money during the incident on July 6.
Officers called to the house in the north of the city observed bruising to her face and neck, the court heard.
In an initial account she claimed O’Neill came to her home several times that day, forcing his way inside on one occasion and breaking a metal walking aid.
He allegedly returned later and demanded money before strangling his grandmother.
“She tried to leave through the front door but he refused to let her,” prosecution counsel said.
It was alleged that he grabbed the woman by the throat and searched through her pockets as she made a further attempt to escape by crawling towards the back door.
O’Neill grabbed her again and wrapped his forearms around her face and mouth, according to the initial complaint.
She allegedly sustained facial wounds due to his long fingernails.
O’Neill was located and arrested a short distance away.
Opposing his application to be released again, the Crown lawyer argued that the alleged victim is considered vulnerable.
“She will be 70 next month, she suffers with mobility and lives alone,” counsel added.
Defence barrister Sean Mullan argued that his client’s grandmother has now withdrawn her complaint and was present in court to support the bail application.
“She doesn’t want any more action against him, and it’s quite clear that the broader family don’t want the criminal case to proceed,” he said.
“This is one of those cases that could fall away.”
Mr Mullan also set out how O’Neill suffers from a range of mental health issues and learning difficulties.
“The harsher environment of Maghaberry Prison is certainly not suitable for him in the long term,” he added.
Mr Justice Kinney ordered the defendant to abide by a curfew as part of strict release conditions.
He stated: “I am satisfied that there is one last chance for this applicant”.