Motorcycle Groping Allegation: Court Hearing
Man Accused of Sexual Assault Granted Bail Despite lack of Fixed Abode
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Belfast – A man accused of sexual assault has been granted bail, despite his grandmother withdrawing her address as a condition of his previous police bail, leaving him with no fixed abode. The court heard that the alleged victim was left feeling “violated and dirty,” while her partner sustained injuries to his lips.
The Incident and Arrest
The court was told that the defendant,Fulton,was walking on Sandy Row when he allegedly assaulted the complainant. According to the officer presenting the case, the alleged victim followed Fulton from the scene until police arrived and arrested him.
Victim’s Account and Injuries
The woman involved in the incident has reportedly been left feeling “violated and dirty.” Her partner, however, sustained more visible injuries, with his “top and bottom lips” described as “busted.”
Bail Conditions and Defendant’s Defense
Fulton had previously been granted police bail with the condition that he reside with his grandmother and “behaves himself.” However,following the latest allegations,his grandmother has withdrawn her home as a bail address,leaving him without a fixed abode.
Fulton’s defence counsel argued that his client has no history of sexual offending and therefore shoudl be granted bail, provided he has an approved address. The defence stated that Fulton claims he was walking to his girlfriend’s house on Sandy Row when he was assaulted by the injured party.
Court’s Decision
District Judge Amanda Henderson agreed with the defence’s argument. She granted Fulton bail, subject to an approved address, and adjourned the case to August 22nd. The decision highlights the court’s consideration of the defendant’s lack of prior sexual offending history, even in the face of serious allegations and a lack of stable accommodation.