Omagh man accused of attempting to murder pregnant woman

A MAN accused of attempting to murder a pregnant woman has been refused bail by two separate courts, despite applying for temporary release to attend a pregnancy scan.

Aidan Donnelly (33), from Omagh, is facing a string of serious charges, including attempted murder, harassment, driving offences and repeated breaches of a probation order.

He also stands accused of the improper use of communications against a second alleged victim.

The charges stem from a disturbing series of events in December, when a woman – 14 weeks pregnant at the time – contacted police claiming Donnelly assaulted her inside a car, punching her and pulling her hair. She said that after fleeing the vehicle, Donnelly drove at her ‘at speed’ and ran over her foot.

A similar attack was alleged to have occurred the previous day, during which he is said to have dragged her to the ground by her hair.

Appearing first at Omagh Magistrates Court, Donnelly was denied bail amid strong opposition from police, who cited the risk of witness interference, flight and further offending.

A police detective told the court that the complainant was assessed as ‘high risk’, adding, “She told us, ‘He will get me killed.’”

The detective also revealed Donnelly had a total of 117 previous convictions – including burglary, assault, deception and contempt – both in the North and South.

He was described as having ‘violent intrusive thoughts’ and a documented history of violence.

Defence counsel Alan Blackburn argued that both complainants had since made withdrawal statements, and that Donnelly had remained in custody since the incidents were reported.

He said evidential issues might arise and noted that a trial date may not be scheduled until the autumn.

District Judge Ted Magill was unmoved, stating Donnelly was a ‘prolific offender’ and expressing doubt over the credibility of the withdrawal statements, which he believed had been influenced.

Bail was refused.

Just two days later, at Dungannon Crown Court, Donnelly’s legal team made a compassionate bail application, requesting an eight-hour release so he could attend the woman’s pregnancy scan.

Again, police objected.

“There are serious risks in allowing him to be with the alleged victim,” said the detective.

Mr Blackburn contended that the limited time frame, a proposed £1,000 cash surety, and supervision by Donnelly’s mother would minimise risk.

He pointed out that Donnelly had previously been granted compassionate bail to attend a funeral.

However, His Honour Judge Richard Greene described the application as ‘difficult’, given Donnelly’s history and the nature of the live investigation. He ruled that the risk to the alleged victim was too great and refused the application.

The case is due to return to Omagh Magistrates Court on May 13, while the alleged probation breaches will be addressed at Dungannon Crown Court on June 26.