Mowhan man, 32, refused bail in assault and damage cases

JONATHAN Brady, 32, has been refused bail after appearing in court for review of applications linked to separate allegations of assault, criminal damage and obstructing a road.

Brady, of Mourneview, Mowhan, appeared by video before District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse, on October 22.

One case concerns an alleged incident on August 9 in the Mowhan Road area of Armagh. Brady is charged with assaulting a police officer, damaging the officer’s glasses and obstructing the road.

The second case relates to alleged incidents on August 12, when Brady is charged with two counts of common assault and making a threat to damage a dwelling.

The court heard allegations that, during the August 9 incident, Brady was aggressive and tried to strike an officer after slipping a hand from his handcuffs. The officer allegedly fell and injured a knee.

In relation to the August 12 allegations, the court heard that police attended a domestic incident involving Brady’s parents. It was alleged that he assaulted his father and later assaulted his mother. Brady made no comment during police interviews.

Defence counsel told the court Brady had longstanding mental health and alcohol-related difficulties, and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The court was also told he had 115 previous convictions, including 20 for assaulting police or disorderly behaviour.

Judge Fitzsimons refused bail, citing the risk of further offending. She said Brady was not a suitable candidate for bail at this stage, but could make a further application to the High Court.