‘Serial perpetrator of domestic abuse’

A TRIAL has been averted in the case of a Strabane man described as a “serial perpetrator of domestic abuse,” who admitted a campaign of violence against his ex-partner, which ran over the course of several days.

Lee Doherty (33) from St Colman’s Drive, admitted three counts of assault, two of threatening to kill, three of criminal damage (involving two phones and clothing) as well as a single count of breaching a Restraining Order.

Offending occurred over several days between August 1 and 5 2023.

Having previously denied the charges, Doherty was re-arraigned at Dungannon Crown Court and accepted all.

Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded him in continuing custody while pre-sentence reports are prepared. Sentencing will take place on 10 September.

A detective constable previously explaining the victim attended Strabane PSNI Station covered in blood and with very obvious injuries to her nose.

She accepted going to Doherty’s home knowing is he was under a Restraining Order banning contact with her.

Whilst there he accused her of cheating with another man and punched her to the face and body and pulled her hair. He also placed his hands around her throat and said he would kill her.

The injured party claims Doherty took her phone and damaged it beyond repair.

Two days later she was driving in Strabane when Doherty walked in front of her car causing her to stop.

He got in the passenger side, shouting and accusing her of cheating on him with his brother. She denied this but he punched her to the head, before lifting her new mobile phone and throwing it out the window where it smashed on the road.

The final incident occurred when Doherty accused the victim of taking his drugs and when this was denied he slapped her repeatedly across the face.

She walked away but he ran after her, punching her multiple times to the face while threatening to kill her.

The detective said, “The injured party is in fear of the defendant. She has sustained multiple bruises to her face and body. Her nose is very swollen and is possibly broken.”

Doherty was arrested and denied all allegations, insisting he had not seen the victim at all, with the exception of the first day when she assaulted him and took his money.

However, he was unable to account for the injuries she sustained.

Objecting to bail the detective described Doherty as, “A serial perpetrator of domestic abuse against various partners and family members…

“Doherty is assessed as a violent offender under Public Protection arrangements.

“The injured party in this instance has twice been deemed at high risk of domestic abuse by the defendant. He has 122 previous convictions including assaults, criminal damage, harassment and threats to kill. His offending not only shows a propensity for violence but highlights a total disregard for abiding by the law and he is not deterred by the justice system.”

Citing concerns of reoffending and witness interference, the detective said Doherty previously contacted a victim from prison while remanded on domestic charges, threatening to kill her.

In another case, while also remanded for similar matters he contacted a victim 387 times.

However bail was refused and Doherty has remained in custody ever since.