A Belfast man facing charges including the strangulation and false imprisonment of a woman in her own home has been granted bail.
Despite police objections, David Kinnaird (30) from Upton Court, was released from custody.
Prior to granting the bail application at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Sandra Crawford was addressed by a prosecuting barrister and Kinnaird’s solicitor.
Telling the Judge the application was being opposed, the Crown barrister said that Kinnaird was facing six charges dating back to last March and April.
These charges, she said, included non-fatal strangulation, false imprisonment, assault and criminal damage.
Regarding the offences alleged to have been committed on March 13 2024, the prosecutor said a female claimed that after her and Kinnaird had a verbal row in her home, he prevented her from leaving the property.
The woman also claimed that as she was trying to leave, Kinnaird slammed a door on her hand, broke a pane of glass, punched her several times in the ribs and choked her to the point where she lost consciousness.
In addition, the woman claims that on April 2 2024 she received a voice message via Instagram and the male caller - who she said was Kinnaird - made a threat towards her and was abusive.
Telling Judge Crawford the alleged offences occurred when Kinnaird was on bail for “domestic-related” charges against another female, the Crown barrister said the defendant had breached bail in the past.
The prosecutor added that the alleged injury party “has expressed her concerns to police about being concerned about retaliation from the defendant as a result of her complaint against him.”
A solicitor acting for Kinnaird addressed a breach in June 2024 when his client called at the woman’s home.
He told Judge Crawford: “My instruction in relation to that specific breach is that there was no exact malice intended in going to that address.
“He should never have been there in the first place ... his instruction is that he went to that address to pick up items of clothing.”
The solicitor said that if granted bail, an exclusion zone could be imposed.
The solicitor spoke of issues Kinnaird has with alcohol and poor mental health.
He added that Kinnaird’s time in custody has been a “very reflective experience” and that he now realises the detrimental affect his alcohol intake is having.
After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Judge Crawford said that whilst Kinnaird was facing serious charges, she was prepared to give him “a last chance.”
Conditions include adhering to an exclusion zone which encompasses the area where the alleged injured party lives.