Teenager accused of attack

Prosecutors claimed he also pushed the 18-year-old female off a wall in Co Armagh after screaming that her and their young child “should die”.

The 17-year-old defendant cannot be identified because of his age. He faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon with intent, and threats to kill in connection with the incident on June 19.

During a bail application Crown lawyer Alice Murray said the youth allegedly launched the attack on his former partner while she was socialising with a group of people at waste ground in the Craigavon area.

According to the young woman’s account he screamed in her face without provocation, referring to both her and their daughter.

She claimed the accused pushed her over a wall, causing her to hit her head on the ground, and shouted: “B**** die.”

He then allegedly grabbed her by the throat and squeezed hard before punching her in the mouth and pinning her down.

“The injured party alleged that he held her throat for 60 seconds, she was struggling to breathe and fearing for her life,” Ms Murray said.

At that point, it was claimed, he produced a machete from his waistband and swung it at her head.

The woman told police the blade inflicted a deep cut on a hand.

Ms Murray continued: “It’s alleged that he dragged her over rough ground with broken glass on it for about 15 yards. This caused her knee to cut and bleed.”

The youth is also accused of smashing her bluetooth speaker during the incident.

Lord Justice McCloskey was told police searched his home and recovered a machete under his bed. However, it also emerged that the woman has since withdrawn her statement of complaint.

Adjourning the case, the judge requested more details before making any decision about releasing the accused: “A withdrawal statement will be a factor this court will take into account with circumspection, and no guarantee that bail will be granted.”

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