A 39-year old man was remanded back into custody today (Tuesday) after appearing in court where he denied domestic abuse offences.
Raymond McCrory was arraigned at Belfast Crown Court on four charges dating back to last July.
With an address as HMP Maghaberry, McCrory confirmed his identity to a court clerk and was then with charged with unlawfully and maliciously attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a female on July 14, 2024.
When asked how he pleaded, McCrory replied “not guilty.”
He had a further three charges levelled at him which the Crown allege were committed on the same date against the same female complainant and were ‘aggravated by reason of involving domestic abuse.’
McCrory denied all three offences – namely trespassing a house in Belfast with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation and causing criminal damage to ornaments belonging to her.
After his client entered ‘not guilty’ pleas to all four charges, McCrory’s solicitor confirmed that that a defence statement has been filed to the court.
Judge Sandra Crawford said: “Bearing in mind the issues surrounding listings, rather than giving a trial date today which would be the norm, I’m going to put this matter in for review in a couple of weeks time and we will take a date at that point in time.”
The Judge re-listed the case for “review and timetabling” on March 11.
She then asked McCrory’s solicitor “the defendant is in custody and will remain in custody. Is that right?”
After the solicitor said this was the case, McCrory was led from the dock by prison staff and returned back to prison.