Man accused of breaking his partner’s nose and cheekbones in attack on Christmas Day refused bail

Appearing in court via video link from police custody Sobota, of St Mary Street in Newry, was charged with aggravated assault and assault on December 25 this year.

Provide evidence, Det. Konst. Martin of the Public Protection Unit said when officers arrived at the scene they found the woman was bleeding profusely and her face was severely swollen, adding that tests at the hospital later confirmed she had “two fractures to her left cheekbones and a broken nose.”

Arrested and interviewed, Sobota said all three were “heavily drunk” and although he denied the attack, “he was unable to explain how the injuries occurred”.

The officer resisted bail, revealing that there had been valuable incidents of domestic violence against the same applicant, who had been identified as a vulnerable person, adding that Sobota is currently on a suspended sentence for a previous domestic assault that began was imposed this year.

While defense attorney John Rocks argued that an alcohol ban and restricted geographic area would help allay police concerns, District Judge Anne Marshall said, “There are absolutely no circumstances in which I could grant bail.”

“She sustained serious and significant injuries and he had a prior criminal record, so I refuse bail because of the risk of further criminal offenses,” the judge concluded, remanding Sobota and adjourning the case until January 18.