Tyrone man ‘imprisoned and sexually assaulted his ex-lover in six-hour horror attack’

Prosecutors also claimed the 24-year-old pointed a knife at her and said: “I’m going to make sure no-one else can have sex with you.”

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of subjecting the woman to a six hour-long ordeal in her home.

He faces charges of false imprisonment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threats to kill, sexual assault, possession of an offensive weapon with intent, common assault, criminal damage and theft of a mobile phone SIM card.

Bail was refused after a judge rejected arguments that he should be released due to delays in the case.

The man is accused of carrying out the attack after turning up at his ex-partner’s Co Tyrone home distressed and crying on July 7 this year, according to the prosecution.

Crown lawyer Kate McKay alleged that after being let in he grabbed and tried to kiss her.

It was claimed that he checked the house was empty, locked the doors and closed the curtains before pulling the woman by the hair into the kitchen.

The court heard he allegedly carried out a sexual assault, grabbed her by the throat and punched her to the head.

“He then cut his own wrists with a knife and threatened to stab her,” Mrs McKay said.

She claimed the accused then pointed the blade at the woman’s genital area before issuing the further threats.

“The alleged incident lasted over a period of six and a half hours approximately,” the barrister added.

“When he left he took her SIM card with him.”

Mr Justice Colton was told the woman suffered a temporary loss of hearing from the alleged punch to the head.

Following his arrest the accused denied being at the woman’s house that day.

Although his mother was said to have corroborated his account, the prosecution claimed Facebook messages indicate contact with the alleged victim.

Defence counsel stressed that at one stage the woman withdrew her complaint against his client.

He also argued that due to forensic issues the accused could spend seven months in custody before discovering if he is to stand trial.

But rejecting the renewed application for release, the judge said: “At this stage there’s no clear delay that would justify (overturning) the original decision to refuse bail.”