Owen Johnston, 20, is accused of attacking a pregnant teenager in Belfast, allegedly stamping on her head on Valentine’s Day.
Johnston faces charges including false imprisonment and assault. Police arrested him February 14 after learning about a possible violent event. A neighbor heard a woman scream and called at the flat. Johnston did not let the teen leave. The teen is 17, pregnant, and 31 weeks along.
Police found the teen at home; she was upset and hurt, with bruises and bald spots. She said Johnston got angry during an argument and slapped her head, causing her to fall. Then, she claimed, he stamped her head.
She said she put her hands up to protect herself, but Johnston kept kicking. He punched her and pulled her hair while she screamed for him to stop. Neighbors heard her shouting for help as she tried to escape, but he pushed her back and told her to relax.
He went to another room, and she grabbed her dog and ran out of the flat. The prosecutor opposes bail, stating Johnston hurt a pregnant girl who described him as nasty and vicious. A lawyer for Johnston acknowledged the charges are serious.
The lawyer said Johnston has issues too, but Johnston denies stamping on her head. He said they argued, and it became physical, and he is sorry, his lawyer stated. Johnston wants to live with his mom. The judge wants more proof it is safe, including details about Johnston’s care, such as therapy or anger management help.
The judge delayed the decision, indicating he might not grant bail and that the defense must convince him.